A person who contaminated sweets with tranquilliser and gave them to children at a summer camp in the area has admitted sexual crimes against two young males who were nine and 10.
The accused was arrested after eight children and one adult became sick at the location in July.
The 76-year-old, from that region, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at the courthouse on Friday.
Nevertheless, he denied a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was against a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was held in detention ahead of a additional proceeding on late November.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, detailed the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She stated his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a youth camp which he operated.
The defendant engaged in a "treat game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel explained, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to consume candy "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had conducted this practice with the boys "for many years", and children had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She explained the man had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had suspicions in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "Recently" his family member had worries about the situation, for good reason.
"They resolved" to investigate in the individual's items."
The legal counsel said items including lubricant, ointment and syringes were discovered, and his stepson alerted the authorities about his worries.
She said the defendant continued to engage in the "candy game" with six boys that evening - that Saturday - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that time," she continued.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was examining law enforcement's management of the incident.
The legal representative explained the children were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the stepson contacted the police once more.
She stated the defendant then engaged in the "treat game" in a area of five youngsters.