An individual who laced treats with sleeping medication and distributed them to youngsters at a summer camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two boys aged nine and 10.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight youngsters and an older person experienced illness at the facility in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from that region, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he was present at the judicial center on Friday.
However, he disputed a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was concerning a young boy.
The accused was kept in jail ahead of a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, outlined the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She explained his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a youth camp which he managed.
Ruben engaged in a "treat game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel stated, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and tell them to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge the man had played this game with the young males "for many years", and minors had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She stated the man had been able to explain this over a long period as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had concerns in recently.
The prosecutor stated further: "In the summer" his stepson had suspicions about the activities, justifiably.
"They chose" to have a look in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor stated objects including baby oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were located, and his family member contacted the authorities about his concerns.
She explained the defendant continued to conduct the "treat game" with six children that evening - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that stage," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was examining the police response of the incident.
Mrs Prior stated the youngsters were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so the stepson called the law enforcement again.
She said Ruben then played the "treat game" in a room of five minors.
