A man who laced treats with sedative and distributed them to youngsters at a summer program in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two boys both nine and ten years old.
The defendant was detained after eight minors and an older person experienced illness at the facility in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from that region, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at the courthouse on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit one particular crime he was facing, which was concerning a young boy.
Ruben was held in detention ahead of a further hearing on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, described Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She said his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a summer camp which he ran.
The man played a "treat game" with the minors, the prosecutor stated, in which he would go into the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and ask them to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She told the court Ruben had engaged in this activity with the young males "for many years", and children had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She said the defendant had been able to explain this for many years as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had worries in July 2025.
The legal representative continued: "This year his family member had worries about the activities, for good reason.
"They resolved" to investigate in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel stated items including infant oil, Vaseline and syringes were found, and his family member contacted the police about his concerns.
She stated the defendant went on to engage in the "candy game" with six children that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"The police had not responded by that time," she added.
The oversight body, the investigative body, previously told that it was examining law enforcement's management of the situation.
The prosecutor said the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson contacted the authorities again.
She explained the defendant then conducted the "treat game" in a space of five minors.
