An individual who spiked sweets with sedative and distributed them to children at a summer program in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two boys aged nine and ten years old.
The defendant was arrested after eight youngsters and one adult became sick at the location in July.
The 76-year-old, from that region, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he was present at the courthouse on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he disputed one particular crime he was charged with, which was concerning a young boy.
The defendant was held in detention prior to a further hearing on November 28th.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, detailed the defendant's actions to the court.
She explained his those affected were under-privileged children who were participating in a youth camp which he operated.
The defendant engaged in a "treat game" with the children, Mrs Prior said, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to consume candy "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had engaged in this activity with the children "repeatedly", and children had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She stated Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had worries in recently.
The legal representative added: "Recently" his stepchild had worries about the activities, for good reason.
"They chose" to examine in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel explained items including baby oil, petroleum jelly and syringes were found, and his family member contacted the police about his suspicions.
She stated the defendant proceeded to conduct the "sweet game" with six youngsters that night - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that point," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, had stated that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the incident.
Mrs Prior stated the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the family member called the police a second time.
She stated the man then played the "candy game" in a room of five minors.
