A man who contaminated treats with sedative and provided them to children at a summer program in the area has admitted sexual offences against two boys both nine and 10.
The defendant was detained after eight youngsters and one adult became sick at the facility in the summer month.
The elderly man, from that region, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he was present at the courthouse on Friday.
Nevertheless, he disputed a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was concerning a young boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody before a further hearing on late November.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, detailed the criminal behavior to the court.
She said his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a summer program which he ran.
The man engaged in a "sweet game" with the children, the prosecutor explained, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She told the court Ruben had played this game with the boys "repeatedly", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She explained the man had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his stepchild had worries in summer 2025.
The prosecutor added: "This year his stepchild had suspicions about the activities, for good reason.
"They decided to examine in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC said items including baby oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were located, and his stepchild contacted the authorities about his suspicions.
She stated the defendant went on to conduct the "treat game" with six children that evening - that Saturday - and they were all sick the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that time," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was reviewing the police response of the situation.
The prosecutor explained the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so the stepson notified the authorities once more.
She explained the defendant then engaged in the "treat game" in a space of five children.
