An individual who spiked sweets with sleeping medication and gave them to youngsters at a youth camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two boys aged nine and ten years old.
The defendant was arrested after eight youngsters and an older person became sick at the location in mid-summer.
The senior citizen, from that region, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he stood at the judicial center on the end of the week.
Yet, he denied one particular crime he was charged with, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody prior to a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, described Ruben's offending to the court.
She stated his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a summer program which he ran.
The man engaged in a "sweet game" with the minors, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and ask them to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge the defendant had engaged in this activity with the children "over an extended period", and youngsters had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She explained the defendant had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had worries in recently.
Mrs Prior KC added: "In the summer" his stepchild had concerns about the activities, for good reason.
"They chose" to have a look in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel stated items including baby oil, ointment and injection devices were found, and his family member notified the authorities about his worries.
She said the defendant continued to play the "sweet game" with six children that evening - July 26th - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that time," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was examining the police response of the situation.
The prosecutor said the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson notified the police again.
She said Ruben then conducted the "candy game" in a space of five children.
