A person who spiked candy with sleeping medication and distributed them to children at a youth camp in the area has confessed to sexual crimes against two children both between nine and ten.
The accused was taken into custody after eight youngsters and one adult experienced illness at the facility in the summer month.
The elderly man, from that region, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at the courthouse on the end of the week.
Yet, he refused to admit one particular crime he was accused of, which was against a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was held in detention ahead of a additional proceeding on late November.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, handling the case, outlined the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She stated his those affected were under-privileged children who were attending a summer camp which he managed.
Ruben played a "treat game" with the children, the prosecutor explained, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were settling down and request they to eat sweets "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had conducted this practice with the young males "over an extended period", and children had previously become sick the following morning.
She stated the defendant had been able to explain this for many years as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had concerns in recently.
Mrs Prior KC added: "This year his family member had concerns about what was going on, justifiably.
"They chose" to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel said materials including baby oil, Vaseline and syringes were found, and his stepchild notified the police about his worries.
She said the defendant proceeded to play the "sweet game" with six boys that time - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that point," she continued.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the situation.
The legal representative stated the children were struggling to walk due to their condition, so the family member contacted the police once more.
She said Ruben then played the "candy game" in a room of five minors.
