A person who spiked treats with sedative and distributed them to minors at a youth camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two boys both between nine and ten.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight minors and one adult fell ill at the facility in July.
The senior citizen, from that region, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at the courthouse on recently.
Yet, he disputed a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was concerning a young boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody before a further hearing on late November.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, detailed the defendant's actions to the court.
She stated his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a summer program which he ran.
The defendant played a "candy game" with the minors, the prosecutor said, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and request they to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She told the court Ruben had played this game with the boys "for many years", and minors had previously become sick the next day.
She stated the defendant had been able to explain this repeatedly as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had concerns in July 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "Recently" his family member had concerns about the situation, with valid cause.
"They decided to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor explained materials including baby oil, Vaseline and medical needles were discovered, and his stepchild notified the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She said Ruben continued to play the "sweet game" with six youngsters that time - July 26th - and they were all ill the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that time," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was examining law enforcement's management of the situation.
The prosecutor stated the children were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the stepson notified the authorities a second time.
She stated the defendant then played the "sweet game" in a space of five minors.
