An individual who contaminated treats with sedative and distributed them to youngsters at a summer camp in the area has admitted sexual offences against two children who were between nine and ten.
The accused was taken into custody after eight children and a grown-up fell ill at the facility in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from that region, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he was present at the judicial center on the end of the week.
Yet, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was against a young boy.
The defendant was held in detention before a subsequent court date on late November.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, described the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She said his victims were under-privileged children who were participating in a summer program which he operated.
Ruben played a "sweet game" with the minors, the prosecutor said, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge the defendant had played this game with the boys "for many years", and children had previously become sick the following morning.
She said the defendant had been able to explain this over a long period as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had concerns in summer 2025.
The legal representative continued: "Recently" his stepson had concerns about the activities, justifiably.
"They resolved" to investigate in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC stated items including infant oil, petroleum jelly and syringes were located, and his family member alerted the authorities about his concerns.
She explained the defendant proceeded to play the "treat game" with six children that night - that Saturday - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that stage," she added.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, had stated that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the incident.
Mrs Prior stated the youngsters were struggling to walk due to their condition, so the family member contacted the police a second time.
She explained the defendant then engaged in the "sweet game" in a space of five minors.
