An individual who spiked treats with sedative and distributed them to youngsters at a summer camp in the area has confessed to sexual crimes against two boys both nine and 10.
The accused was arrested after eight children and one adult became sick at the facility in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from that region, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at the courthouse on the end of the week.
Yet, he denied one particular crime he was charged with, which was against a young boy.
The defendant was held in detention prior to a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, outlined Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She said his those affected were under-privileged children who were participating in a summer program which he ran.
Ruben conducted a "candy game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would go into the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had conducted this practice with the young males "for many years", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She explained the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had suspicions in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "In the summer" his stepson had suspicions about the situation, with valid cause.
"They chose" to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC said materials including baby oil, ointment and syringes were discovered, and his stepchild alerted the law enforcement about his worries.
She stated Ruben went on to play the "candy game" with six youngsters that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the following morning.
"The police had not responded by that time," she continued.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the situation.
The legal representative stated the children were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so the family member called the police a second time.
She stated the defendant then conducted the "candy game" in a area of five youngsters.
