A person who laced sweets with tranquilliser and gave them to minors at a summer program in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two children aged nine and 10.
The accused was taken into custody after eight children and one adult fell ill at the location in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from that region, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at the courthouse on Friday.
Yet, he disputed a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was held in detention ahead of a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, outlined the criminal behavior to the court.
She explained his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer camp which he ran.
The man played a "candy game" with the children, the legal counsel explained, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge Ruben had played this game with the boys "over an extended period", and minors had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She stated the man had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had suspicions in July 2025.
The prosecutor stated further: "This year his stepson had concerns about what was going on, justifiably.
"They resolved" to investigate in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC said objects including baby oil, Vaseline and medical needles were located, and his family member contacted the law enforcement about his concerns.
She stated the man proceeded to play the "candy game" with six youngsters that night - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"The police had not responded by that time," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was investigating the police response of the events.
Mrs Prior said the minors were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson notified the law enforcement again.
She stated the man then played the "sweet game" in a space of five children.
