A man who contaminated treats with tranquilliser and provided them to minors at a summer program in the region has admitted sexual crimes against two children both nine and 10.
The defendant was arrested after eight youngsters and one adult fell ill at the location in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from that region, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at the courthouse on Friday.
However, he denied one particular crime he was charged with, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
The accused was held in detention ahead of a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, handling the case, described the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She said his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a summer program which he operated.
Ruben engaged in a "candy game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel explained, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and request they to ingest treats "rapidly".
She stated to the judge the man had engaged in this activity with the young males "repeatedly", and youngsters had previously become sick the next day.
She stated the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had worries in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "Recently" his stepson had suspicions about what was going on, for good reason.
"They resolved" to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC explained items including lubricant, Vaseline and injection devices were found, and his family member alerted the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She stated the defendant proceeded to play the "treat game" with six children that night - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"The police had not gone out by that point," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was examining the police response of the situation.
Mrs Prior said the minors were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so the family member contacted the law enforcement once more.
She stated the defendant then played the "treat game" in a area of five youngsters.
