A man who contaminated treats with sedative and gave them to children at a youth camp in the region has admitted sexual offenses against two young males both nine and ten years old.
The accused was detained after eight minors and one adult became sick at the facility in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from that region, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at the courthouse on Friday.
However, he denied a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was involving a young boy.
Ruben was kept in jail before a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, outlined the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She explained his targets were under-privileged children who were participating in a summer camp which he ran.
Ruben engaged in a "sweet game" with the minors, the legal counsel explained, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and request they to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge Ruben had conducted this practice with the young males "repeatedly", and minors had previously fallen ill the next day.
She said the man had been able to explain this repeatedly as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had worries in recently.
The prosecutor added: "This year his family member had concerns about the activities, for good reason.
"They chose" to have a look in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor stated materials including infant oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were found, and his stepchild alerted the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She said the defendant proceeded to play the "treat game" with six boys that time - that Saturday - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"The police had not responded by that point," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the situation.
The legal representative explained the minors were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson called the police once more.
She said the defendant then conducted the "treat game" in a space of five youngsters.
