A man who contaminated candy with sleeping medication and gave them to youngsters at a summer program in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two children both nine and 10.
The defendant was arrested after eight youngsters and a grown-up fell ill at the facility in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from that region, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at the courthouse on recently.
Yet, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was concerning a young boy.
The accused was held in detention prior to a further hearing on late November.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, described Ruben's offending to the court.
She stated his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a summer camp which he operated.
The man engaged in a "sweet game" with the minors, the legal counsel stated, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and ask them to ingest treats "rapidly".
She told the court Ruben had played this game with the children "for many years", and children had previously become sick the next day.
She explained the man had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had worries in summer 2025.
The legal representative stated further: "This year his stepchild had worries about what was going on, for good reason.
"They decided to investigate in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC said materials including lubricant, petroleum jelly and medical needles were discovered, and his family member alerted the authorities about his suspicions.
She stated the man continued to engage in the "sweet game" with six boys that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that time," she continued.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, had stated that it was examining law enforcement's management of the incident.
Mrs Prior explained the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so the stepson contacted the authorities again.
She said the man then played the "sweet game" in a space of five minors.
