A man who contaminated sweets with tranquilliser and gave them to youngsters at a summer program in the area has admitted sexual crimes against two children both nine and ten years old.
The defendant was arrested after eight children and a grown-up experienced illness at the location in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from that region, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at the judicial center on the end of the week.
Yet, he denied one particular crime he was charged with, which was involving a young boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody prior to a further hearing on 28 November.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, described the criminal behavior to the court.
She said his those affected were under-privileged children who were attending a summer program which he operated.
Ruben engaged in a "sweet game" with the minors, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had conducted this practice with the children "for many years", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She said Ruben had been able to explain this for many years as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had concerns in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "In the summer" his stepchild had worries about what was going on, justifiably.
"They decided to examine in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC explained objects including baby oil, ointment and syringes were located, and his family member contacted the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She explained the defendant proceeded to play the "sweet game" with six boys that evening - July 26th - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that point," she stated further.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was investigating the police response of the incident.
The prosecutor explained the children were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so the family member contacted the law enforcement again.
She explained Ruben then engaged in the "treat game" in a space of five children.
