An individual who spiked sweets with sleeping medication and distributed them to children at a summer program in the region has admitted sexual offenses against two young males aged nine and ten years old.
The accused was arrested after eight youngsters and an older person fell ill at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from that region, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at the courthouse on the end of the week.
Yet, he denied a single sexual charge he was facing, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was remanded in custody prior to a subsequent court date on late November.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, handling the case, described the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She said his targets were under-privileged children who were participating in a youth camp which he managed.
The defendant played a "sweet game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to eat sweets "rapidly".
She told the court Ruben had played this game with the boys "for many years", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She explained the man had been able to explain this for many years as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had concerns in summer 2025.
The prosecutor added: "Recently" his family member had suspicions about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to have a look in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel said materials including infant oil, ointment and medical needles were found, and his stepchild contacted the law enforcement about his concerns.
She explained the man continued to engage in the "treat game" with six children that time - July 26th - and they were all ill the following morning.
"Law enforcement" 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 situation.
The prosecutor explained the children were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the stepson called the police again.
She explained the man then conducted the "treat game" in a area of five minors.
