An individual who laced candy with sleeping medication and provided them to youngsters at a summer camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two boys aged nine and 10.
The defendant was detained 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 series of 17 offences when he stood at the courthouse on the end of the week.
Yet, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was against a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was remanded in custody prior to a additional proceeding on late November.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, described the defendant's actions to the court.
She stated his victims were under-privileged children who were staying at a youth camp which he operated.
The man conducted a "treat game" with the minors, the legal counsel stated, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and request they to consume candy "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings the man had engaged in this activity with the children "over an extended period", and minors had previously fallen ill the next day.
She explained Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had concerns in recently.
The prosecutor stated further: "Recently" his family member had concerns about the activities, justifiably.
"They decided to have a look in the individual's items."
The prosecutor said materials including infant oil, Vaseline and injection devices were found, and his family member alerted the authorities about his suspicions.
She explained the defendant went on to engage in the "sweet game" with six boys that night - July 26th - and they were all ill the following morning.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that time," she added.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was examining the police response of the incident.
The prosecutor stated the minors were struggling to walk due to their condition, so the family member contacted the law enforcement once more.
She explained the defendant then engaged in the "candy game" in a area of five youngsters.
