An individual who spiked treats with tranquilliser and gave them to children at a summer program in the area has admitted sexual crimes against two boys who were nine and 10.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight minors and one adult fell ill at the facility in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from that region, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he was present at the judicial center on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he denied a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was kept in jail ahead of a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, described Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She said his targets were under-privileged children who were participating in a summer program which he managed.
The man conducted a "treat game" with the children, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to consume candy "rapidly".
She stated to the judge Ruben had engaged in this activity with the children "for many years", and minors had previously become sick the following morning.
She said the defendant had been capable of justifying this for many years as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had worries in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "In the summer" his stepchild had suspicions about what was going on, for good reason.
"They resolved" to investigate in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor explained objects including infant oil, Vaseline and medical needles were discovered, and his stepchild contacted the authorities about his worries.
She said the defendant went on to conduct the "candy game" with six boys that time - that Saturday - and they were all sick the next day.
"The police had not responded by that stage," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, had stated that it was reviewing the police response of the events.
The prosecutor stated the minors were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the family member contacted the law enforcement once more.
She stated the defendant then engaged in the "treat game" in a room of five children.
