An individual who laced treats with sedative and distributed them to youngsters at a summer camp in the region has confessed to sexual offenses against two children who were nine and 10.
The accused was arrested after eight minors and an older person experienced illness at the facility in the summer month.
The elderly man, from that region, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at the judicial center on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he disputed a single sexual charge he was facing, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was kept in jail prior to a additional proceeding on late November.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, handling the case, described the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She said his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a summer camp which he ran.
Ruben engaged in a "sweet game" with the minors, the legal counsel said, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to ingest treats "rapidly".
She stated to the judge Ruben had conducted this practice with the boys "over an extended period", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She stated the defendant had been able to explain this over a long period as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had worries in recently.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "In the summer" his family member had suspicions about the activities, justifiably.
"They decided to investigate in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor said materials including infant oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were discovered, and his stepson contacted the authorities about his worries.
She stated Ruben continued to conduct the "candy game" with six boys that night - July 26th - and they were all sick the next day.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that point," she continued.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, previously told that it was examining law enforcement's management of the events.
The legal representative said the children were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the stepson notified the police a second time.
She said the defendant then engaged in the "candy game" in a room of five children.
