A person who laced candy with tranquilliser and provided them to children at a summer camp in the region has admitted sexual offences against two boys aged nine and ten years old.
The defendant was detained after eight minors and one adult experienced illness at the facility in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from that region, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he was present at the courthouse on Friday.
Yet, he denied one particular crime he was charged with, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody ahead of a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, detailed the criminal behavior to the court.
She stated his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a youth camp which he operated.
Ruben engaged in a "candy game" with the children, the prosecutor stated, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She told the court the man had conducted this practice with the children "over an extended period", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She said the man had been able to explain this for many years as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had worries in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "In the summer" his stepchild had concerns about the activities, with valid cause.
"They chose" to investigate in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC said objects including baby oil, Vaseline and injection devices were found, and his stepchild alerted the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She stated Ruben continued to engage in the "candy game" with six boys that night - that Saturday - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that time," she added.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was investigating the police response of the situation.
Mrs Prior stated the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so the stepson contacted the authorities once more.
She stated the defendant then engaged in the "candy game" in a room of five youngsters.
