A man who laced sweets with tranquilliser and distributed them to children at a summer camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two boys aged nine and ten years old.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight youngsters and one adult became sick at the location in the summer month.
The elderly man, from that region, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at the courthouse on recently.
Nevertheless, he disputed one particular crime he was accused of, which was concerning a young boy.
Ruben was held in detention before a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, outlined the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She stated his targets were under-privileged children who were attending a youth camp which he operated.
Ruben conducted a "candy game" with the children, the legal counsel said, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge Ruben had conducted this practice with the young males "for many years", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She said the man had been able to explain this for many years as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had suspicions in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "Recently" his stepson had suspicions about the activities, with valid cause.
"They decided to have a look in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel said objects including baby oil, Vaseline and syringes were discovered, and his family member contacted the police about his suspicions.
She stated the man continued to play the "treat game" with six children that time - July 26th - and they were all sick the next day.
"The police had not responded by that time," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, had stated that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the incident.
The legal representative explained the minors were struggling to walk due to being ill, so the stepson notified the law enforcement again.
She said the defendant then engaged in the "treat game" in a space of five children.
