A person who spiked treats with sedative and distributed them to minors at a summer program in the region has admitted sexual crimes against two children who were nine and 10.
The accused was taken into custody after eight children and a grown-up experienced illness at the location in July.
The senior citizen, from that region, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at the courthouse on Friday.
However, he refused to admit one particular crime he was facing, which was against a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was held in detention prior to a additional proceeding on late November.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, described Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She explained his targets were under-privileged children who were attending a summer program which he managed.
The man engaged in a "treat game" with the children, the prosecutor explained, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and request they to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings the man had conducted this practice with the boys "for many years", and children had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She stated the defendant had been able to explain this over a long period as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had suspicions in July 2025.
The prosecutor added: "This year his stepson had worries about what was going on, justifiably.
"They resolved" to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC explained items including baby oil, Vaseline and medical needles were located, and his stepson alerted the law enforcement about his concerns.
She stated Ruben went on to play the "candy game" with six youngsters that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that point," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, previously told that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the situation.
The legal representative explained the children were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so the stepson called the law enforcement once more.
She said the defendant then conducted the "sweet game" in a area of five children.
