A man who contaminated candy with sedative and distributed them to youngsters at a summer program in the area has admitted sexual offences against two young males who were nine and ten years old.
The accused was detained after eight minors and a grown-up fell ill at the facility in July.
The senior citizen, from that region, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at the courthouse on the end of the week.
However, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was remanded in custody ahead of a further hearing on November 28th.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, detailed the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She stated his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a youth camp which he ran.
Ruben played a "treat game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were settling down and ask them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge the defendant had conducted this practice with the young males "over an extended period", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She said the defendant had been able to explain this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had worries in recently.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "This year his stepchild had suspicions about the situation, for good reason.
"They resolved" to examine in the individual's items."
The legal counsel stated materials including baby oil, petroleum jelly and syringes were located, and his stepson contacted the police about his concerns.
She explained the defendant continued to play the "candy game" with six boys that evening - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"The police had not arrived by that time," she continued.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the events.
Mrs Prior stated the minors were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the family member notified the authorities a second time.
She stated the defendant then engaged in the "sweet game" in a space of five children.
