A person who spiked candy with tranquilliser and provided them to minors at a youth camp in the area has admitted sexual offences against two young males who were nine and 10.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight minors and one adult experienced illness at the facility in July.
The elderly man, from that region, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at the judicial center on recently.
Yet, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was against a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was held in detention before a additional proceeding on late November.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, described the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She stated his those affected were under-privileged children who were participating in a summer program which he managed.
Ruben engaged in a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel explained, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were settling down and tell them to consume candy "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had engaged in this activity with the children "over an extended period", and children had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She said the man had been able to explain this for many years as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had worries in summer 2025.
The legal representative continued: "Recently" his stepson had concerns about the activities, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to examine in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel explained materials including lubricant, Vaseline and syringes were found, and his family member contacted the police about his concerns.
She explained Ruben continued to engage in the "treat game" with six youngsters that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the next day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that time," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, had stated that it was examining law enforcement's management of the situation.
The prosecutor stated the children were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson called the authorities a second time.
She stated the man then engaged in the "treat game" in a room of five minors.
