A man who contaminated candy with sleeping medication and distributed them to minors at a youth camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two boys who were nine and ten years old.
The accused was taken into custody after eight youngsters and a grown-up became sick at the location in July.
The senior citizen, from that region, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at the judicial center on Friday.
However, he disputed a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was held in detention prior to a subsequent court date on late November.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, outlined the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She stated his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a summer program which he managed.
The defendant played a "sweet game" with the minors, the prosecutor said, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and request they to consume candy "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings the man had engaged in this activity with the young males "repeatedly", and children had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She explained the man had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had worries in summer 2025.
The legal representative stated further: "This year his stepson had worries about the situation, for good reason.
"They decided to examine in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC explained materials including infant oil, ointment and syringes were located, and his stepchild notified the police about his suspicions.
She said the defendant proceeded to conduct the "sweet game" with six youngsters that night - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that time," she stated further.
The oversight body, the investigative body, previously told that it was examining law enforcement's management of the events.
The legal representative explained the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson called the authorities once more.
She explained the defendant then played the "treat game" in a space of five youngsters.
