A person who contaminated treats with sedative and distributed them to children at a youth camp in the area has admitted sexual offenses against two children aged nine and ten years old.
The accused was arrested after eight youngsters and one adult became sick at the location in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from that region, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at the judicial center on recently.
Nevertheless, he denied one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was against a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was remanded in custody before a further hearing on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, outlined the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She stated his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a youth camp which he operated.
The man played a "treat game" with the minors, the prosecutor said, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge the man had played this game with the children "repeatedly", and children had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She stated the defendant had been able to explain this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had suspicions in summer 2025.
The prosecutor added: "Recently" his family member had suspicions about the activities, for good reason.
"They chose" to examine in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor explained materials including lubricant, Vaseline and syringes were located, and his stepson contacted the authorities about his worries.
She said the man proceeded to conduct the "treat game" with six children that time - that Saturday - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that stage," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the events.
Mrs Prior said the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the stepson notified the law enforcement once more.
She stated Ruben then engaged in the "treat game" in a area of five children.
