An individual who laced sweets with sedative and distributed them to children at a summer camp in the region has confessed to sexual offenses against two boys who were between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight minors and an older person experienced illness at the facility in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from that region, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at the judicial center on the end of the week.
Yet, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was involving a young boy.
The accused was remanded in custody before a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, handling the case, detailed the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She explained his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a youth camp which he managed.
The defendant played a "treat game" with the children, the prosecutor explained, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were settling down and request they to ingest treats "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings the man had played this game with the boys "over an extended period", and children had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She explained the man had been capable of justifying this for many years as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had suspicions in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "Recently" his family member had concerns about the situation, for good reason.
"They decided to investigate in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC explained objects including lubricant, ointment and medical needles were found, and his stepchild contacted the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She stated Ruben went on to engage in the "sweet game" with six boys that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that stage," she stated further.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, had stated that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the situation.
The prosecutor explained the minors were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson notified the law enforcement once more.
She stated the man then engaged in the "sweet game" in a room of five youngsters.
