A person who contaminated treats with sedative and gave them to children at a summer program in the area has confessed to sexual offenses against two young males aged nine and 10.
The accused was arrested after eight children and an older person experienced illness at the location in mid-summer.
The senior citizen, from that region, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he stood at the courthouse on the end of the week.
Yet, he disputed a single sexual charge he was facing, which was against a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was kept in jail prior to a subsequent court date on late November.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, outlined the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She explained his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a youth camp which he ran.
The man played a "treat game" with the children, the prosecutor said, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to eat sweets "rapidly".
She stated to the judge Ruben had played this game with the children "over an extended period", and children had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She said Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had concerns in July 2025.
The prosecutor added: "In the summer" his stepson had concerns about the activities, for good reason.
"They decided to have a look in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor stated objects including lubricant, petroleum jelly and medical needles were found, and his family member alerted the authorities about his suspicions.
She stated the man went on to play the "sweet game" with six children that time - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that time," she added.
The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was reviewing the police response of the incident.
The prosecutor explained the children were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson contacted the police a second time.
She explained the defendant then engaged in the "candy game" in a room of five children.
