A person who laced treats with tranquilliser and gave them to youngsters at a summer program in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two young males who were nine and ten years old.
The accused was detained after eight children and one adult fell ill at the facility in July.
The elderly man, from that region, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at the judicial center on recently.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was against a nine-year-old child.
The accused was kept in jail prior to a subsequent court date on late November.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, outlined the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She stated his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer program which he operated.
Ruben engaged in a "treat game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor stated, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had played this game with the children "over an extended period", and minors had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She explained the man had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had suspicions in summer 2025.
The legal representative added: "Recently" his stepson had suspicions about the situation, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to examine in the individual's items."
The legal counsel explained materials including infant oil, petroleum jelly and syringes were found, and his family member contacted the authorities about his concerns.
She stated the defendant continued to engage in the "treat game" with six children that time - July 26th - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that point," she added.
The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was examining law enforcement's management of the events.
Mrs Prior stated the minors were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson contacted the police again.
She said Ruben then engaged in the "sweet game" in a space of five children.
