An individual who laced sweets with sedative and distributed them to children at a summer camp in the region has confessed to sexual offenses against two boys who were between nine and ten.
The accused was arrested after eight children and an older person fell ill at the location in July.
The senior citizen, from that region, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at the courthouse on the end of the week.
Yet, he disputed one particular crime he was charged with, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was remanded in custody ahead of a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, outlined Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She stated his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a summer program which he managed.
The defendant conducted a "candy game" with the minors, the prosecutor explained, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and ask them to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She told the court the man had engaged in this activity with the children "repeatedly", and youngsters had previously become sick the following morning.
She stated the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had worries in summer 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "In the summer" his stepchild had suspicions about the situation, with valid cause.
"They decided to have a look in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC stated materials including lubricant, ointment and injection devices were found, and his family member contacted the police about his concerns.
She stated the defendant proceeded to play the "candy game" with six children that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that point," she added.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was reviewing the police response of the incident.
The prosecutor explained the minors were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so the family member contacted the police again.
She explained Ruben then engaged in the "candy game" in a room of five minors.
