A man who spiked sweets with sleeping medication and provided them to youngsters at a summer program in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two young males both nine and 10.
The defendant was arrested after eight youngsters and an older person experienced illness at the location in mid-summer.
The senior citizen, from that region, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he was present at the judicial center on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was facing, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was remanded in custody ahead of a further hearing on late November.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, detailed Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She explained his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a summer camp which he operated.
The man engaged in a "sweet game" with the children, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would go into the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and ask them to consume candy "rapidly".
She stated to the judge the defendant had engaged in this activity with the boys "for many years", and children had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She explained the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his stepchild had concerns in recently.
Mrs Prior KC added: "Recently" his family member had worries about the situation, for good reason.
"They chose" to investigate in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel stated materials including infant oil, Vaseline and syringes were located, and his stepchild notified the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She said Ruben went on to engage in the "sweet game" with six children that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the next day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that time," she stated further.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the events.
The legal representative stated the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so the family member notified the authorities again.
She said the man then played the "candy game" in a room of five youngsters.
