A person who contaminated treats with tranquilliser and distributed them to children at a summer program in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two children who were nine and ten years old.
The defendant was detained after eight children and one adult became sick at the location in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from that region, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at the courthouse on the end of the week.
However, he denied a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was involving a young boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody prior to a further hearing on November 28th.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, described Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She explained his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a summer program which he managed.
Ruben conducted a "sweet game" with the children, the legal counsel said, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and request they to eat sweets "rapidly".
She told the court Ruben had played this game with the children "repeatedly", and children had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She explained the man had been able to explain this over a long period as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had suspicions in recently.
The prosecutor stated further: "Recently" his stepson had concerns about the activities, for good reason.
"They resolved" to examine in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor said objects including baby oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were located, and his stepson alerted the authorities about his concerns.
She explained the man proceeded to play the "treat game" with six youngsters that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the following morning.
"The police had not arrived by that stage," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the events.
Mrs Prior explained the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the family member notified the law enforcement again.
She said the defendant then played the "treat game" in a space of five minors.
