A man who spiked treats with sedative and distributed them to children at a summer camp in the area has admitted sexual crimes against two young males who were between nine and ten.
The accused was arrested after eight youngsters and a grown-up became sick at the facility in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from that region, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at the courthouse on recently.
Nevertheless, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
The accused was remanded in custody ahead of a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, outlined the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She said his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer camp which he ran.
The defendant engaged in a "candy game" with the minors, the legal counsel stated, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and request they to eat sweets "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had conducted this practice with the young males "repeatedly", and minors had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She said Ruben had been capable of justifying this repeatedly as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had worries in summer 2025.
The prosecutor stated further: "Recently" his family member had worries about the activities, for good reason.
"They decided to investigate in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel stated objects including infant oil, Vaseline and syringes were found, and his stepson alerted the police about his worries.
She stated Ruben continued to engage in the "sweet game" with six youngsters that evening - July 26th - and they were all sick the next day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that time," she added.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, previously told that it was examining the police response of the situation.
The prosecutor stated the minors were struggling to walk due to being ill, so the family member notified the police once more.
She explained the man then engaged in the "sweet game" in a space of five children.
