A man who laced sweets with sedative and provided them to youngsters at a youth camp in the region has admitted sexual offences against two boys aged between nine and ten.
The accused was taken into custody after eight youngsters and one adult experienced illness at the location in July.
The elderly man, from that region, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he was present at the courthouse on Friday.
Nevertheless, he denied a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was involving a young boy.
Ruben was held in detention prior to a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, described the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She explained his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer camp which he ran.
The man engaged in a "treat game" with the children, the prosecutor said, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and request they to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had played this game with the boys "repeatedly", and minors had previously become sick the next day.
She explained Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had worries in recently.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "In the summer" his stepson had concerns about the activities, with valid cause.
"They chose" to examine in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor explained items including infant oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were discovered, and his stepchild alerted the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She stated Ruben proceeded to engage in the "candy game" with six children that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that time," she added.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the events.
The legal representative stated the youngsters were struggling to walk due to their condition, so the stepson notified the authorities again.
She explained the defendant then played the "treat game" in a space of five minors.
