A person who laced treats with tranquilliser and gave them to minors at a summer program in the area has confessed to sexual offences against two young males who were between nine and ten.
The accused was detained after eight children and one adult experienced illness at the location in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from that region, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he stood at the courthouse on Friday.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit one particular crime he was facing, which was against a young boy.
The accused was remanded in custody prior to a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, described the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She said his those affected were under-privileged children who were staying at a youth camp which he managed.
The man played a "treat game" with the minors, the legal counsel stated, in which he would go into the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had engaged in this activity with the young males "repeatedly", and children had previously fallen ill the next day.
She stated the defendant had been able to explain this for many years as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had worries in summer 2025.
The prosecutor stated further: "Recently" his stepchild had concerns about the activities, for good reason.
"They decided to investigate in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel explained materials including infant oil, ointment and medical needles were discovered, and his family member alerted the police about his worries.
She said the man continued to play the "sweet game" with six children that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that time," she continued.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was examining law enforcement's management of the events.
The legal representative said the minors were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson called the police again.
She explained Ruben then played the "sweet game" in a area of five children.
