An individual who contaminated candy with tranquilliser and gave them to children at a summer camp in the region has confessed to sexual offences against two children both between nine and ten.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight children and one adult fell ill at the location in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from that region, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he was present at the courthouse on the end of the week.
However, he disputed a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was concerning a young boy.
The defendant was held in detention ahead of a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, detailed the defendant's actions to the court.
She explained his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a summer program which he managed.
The man played a "candy game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel explained, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to ingest treats "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had conducted this practice with the children "for many years", and youngsters had previously become sick the following morning.
She stated Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his stepchild had worries in summer 2025.
The legal representative added: "This year his stepchild had worries about what was going on, for good reason.
"They resolved" to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor explained materials including baby oil, Vaseline and medical needles were located, and his family member alerted the authorities about his suspicions.
She explained Ruben proceeded to play the "sweet game" with six youngsters that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the next day.
"The police had not gone out by that stage," she continued.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, had stated that it was examining the police response of the incident.
The legal representative stated the children were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the stepson called the law enforcement again.
She stated Ruben then engaged in the "treat game" in a area of five minors.
