An individual who contaminated sweets with sleeping medication and distributed them to youngsters at a summer program in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two boys aged nine and 10.
The accused was taken into custody after eight youngsters and a grown-up experienced illness at the location in July.
The senior citizen, from that region, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he stood at the courthouse on the end of the week.
Yet, he denied a single sexual charge he was facing, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was held in detention ahead of a further hearing on 28 November.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, outlined the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She stated his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a summer camp which he ran.
The defendant played a "treat game" with the minors, the prosecutor explained, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings the man had played this game with the children "over an extended period", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She explained Ruben had been able to explain this over a long period as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had suspicions in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "This year his family member had concerns about the activities, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to examine in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC explained objects including baby oil, ointment and syringes were located, and his stepchild contacted the law enforcement about his concerns.
She stated Ruben continued to conduct the "sweet game" with six children that time - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that time," she continued.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was investigating the police response of the situation.
The prosecutor explained the minors were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the stepson called the law enforcement a second time.
She explained the man then conducted the "sweet game" in a room of five children.
