A man who laced sweets with sleeping medication and gave them to children at a summer camp in the area has admitted sexual crimes against two boys both between nine and ten.
The accused was arrested after eight minors and a grown-up experienced illness at the facility in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from that region, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he stood at the courthouse on the end of the week.
Yet, he denied one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was held in detention ahead of a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, handling the case, outlined the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She stated his those affected were under-privileged children who were staying at a summer camp which he ran.
Ruben conducted a "candy game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel explained, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had engaged in this activity with the young males "for many years", and children had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She stated the man had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had concerns in July 2025.
The prosecutor stated further: "In the summer" his stepson had concerns about the situation, with valid cause.
"They chose" to examine in the individual's items."
The legal counsel said items including infant oil, Vaseline and medical needles were found, and his stepson notified the law enforcement about his concerns.
She said the man continued to conduct the "treat game" with six youngsters that night - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that point," she added.
The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was investigating the police response of the incident.
The legal representative explained the minors were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson called the police once more.
She said the defendant then played the "sweet game" in a area of five minors.
