An individual who laced candy with tranquilliser and gave them to minors at a summer camp in the region has admitted sexual offences against two boys both nine and ten years old.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight children and an older person fell ill at the location in the summer month.
The elderly man, from that region, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at the judicial center on recently.
Yet, he refused to admit one particular crime he was accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was held in detention prior to a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, detailed the criminal behavior to the court.
She stated his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a youth camp which he operated.
Ruben engaged in a "sweet game" with the minors, the legal counsel explained, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge the man had played this game with the children "over an extended period", and children had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She said the defendant had been able to explain this over a long period as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his stepchild had concerns in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "This year his stepson had suspicions about the situation, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to have a look in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor explained objects including lubricant, Vaseline and medical needles were discovered, and his stepchild notified the law enforcement about his worries.
She said the defendant went on to engage in the "candy game" with six children that night - July 26th - and they were all sick the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that stage," she added.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, previously told that it was investigating the police response of the situation.
Mrs Prior stated the youngsters were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so the family member contacted the police once more.
She stated the man then engaged in the "candy game" in a area of five minors.
