An individual who laced candy with sedative and provided them to minors at a summer program in the area has confessed to sexual crimes against two young males aged between nine and ten.
The defendant was detained after eight children and a grown-up became sick at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from that region, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at the judicial center on Friday.
Yet, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was remanded in custody ahead of a additional proceeding on late November.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, described the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She said his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a youth camp which he ran.
Ruben engaged in a "candy game" with the minors, the legal counsel explained, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and request they to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings the man had engaged in this activity with the children "over an extended period", and youngsters had previously become sick the following morning.
She stated the man had been able to explain this over a long period as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had concerns in July 2025.
The legal representative added: "Recently" his stepson had suspicions about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC stated materials including baby oil, Vaseline and syringes were located, and his stepchild notified the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She explained the defendant proceeded to conduct the "treat game" with six youngsters that evening - that Saturday - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that stage," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was examining law enforcement's management of the incident.
The prosecutor stated the minors were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so the family member notified the law enforcement again.
She said the man then played the "treat game" in a area of five children.
