A man who spiked candy with tranquilliser and provided them to minors at a summer program in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two children both nine and ten years old.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight youngsters and a grown-up fell ill at the location in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from that region, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he was present at the courthouse on recently.
Nevertheless, he disputed one particular crime he was facing, which was against a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was kept in jail ahead of a further hearing on November 28th.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, outlined Ruben's offending to the court.
She stated his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a youth camp which he ran.
The defendant played a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor stated, in which he would go into the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and tell them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had engaged in this activity with the boys "repeatedly", and minors had previously become sick the following morning.
She said Ruben had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had concerns in recently.
Mrs Prior KC added: "This year his stepchild had concerns about the situation, for good reason.
"They resolved" to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor said items including infant oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were located, and his stepchild contacted the law enforcement about his worries.
She stated the defendant proceeded to play the "candy game" with six youngsters that night - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"The police had not gone out by that stage," she added.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the incident.
The prosecutor stated the minors were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the family member contacted the police once more.
She stated the defendant then conducted the "sweet game" in a room of five minors.
