A man who laced treats with sleeping medication and gave them to children at a summer camp in the area has confessed to sexual crimes against two children who were nine and 10.
The defendant was arrested after eight youngsters and an older person became sick at the facility in the summer month.
The elderly man, from that region, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at the judicial center on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was involving a young boy.
The accused was remanded in custody ahead of a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, detailed Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She explained his those affected were under-privileged children who were staying at a youth camp which he ran.
Ruben played a "candy game" with the minors, Mrs Prior said, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge Ruben had played this game with the boys "over an extended period", and children had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She explained the man had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had worries in recently.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "Recently" his stepson had concerns about the activities, with valid cause.
"They chose" to investigate in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC stated items including lubricant, Vaseline and syringes were found, and his stepson alerted the authorities about his concerns.
She explained the defendant continued to engage in the "sweet game" with six children that evening - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Authorities" had not responded by that point," she added.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was examining the police response of the incident.
Mrs Prior explained the children were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson contacted the authorities again.
She explained Ruben then engaged in the "candy game" in a room of five minors.
