A man who spiked candy with tranquilliser and gave them to youngsters at a summer camp in the area has confessed to sexual offenses against two children both nine and 10.
The accused was taken into custody after eight minors and a grown-up experienced illness at the facility in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from that region, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at the judicial center on recently.
However, he disputed one particular crime he was charged with, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
The accused was remanded in custody before a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, described the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She stated his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a youth camp which he operated.
The man played a "treat game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor explained, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and ask them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge the man had played this game with the children "over an extended period", and minors had previously become sick the next day.
She explained Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had worries in recently.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "Recently" his stepson had suspicions about what was going on, for good reason.
"They decided to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor said materials including lubricant, petroleum jelly and medical needles were discovered, and his stepson alerted the law enforcement about his concerns.
She explained the defendant went on to conduct the "sweet game" with six boys that evening - that Saturday - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"The police had not responded by that stage," she added.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the events.
The legal representative stated the children were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson contacted the authorities a second time.
She stated Ruben then conducted the "treat game" in a space of five youngsters.
