A man who contaminated treats with tranquilliser and distributed them to minors at a youth camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two young males both nine and ten years old.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight children and one adult fell ill at the location in July.
The 76-year-old, from that region, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he was present at the courthouse on recently.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit one particular crime he was facing, which was against a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was held in detention before a further hearing on November 28th.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, outlined the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She said his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a youth camp which he operated.
The man played a "treat game" with the minors, the legal counsel explained, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and request they to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had engaged in this activity with the children "over an extended period", and minors had previously become sick the following morning.
She said the defendant had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had worries in summer 2025.
The legal representative stated further: "In the summer" his stepson had suspicions about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to have a look in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC explained items including infant oil, Vaseline and injection devices were located, and his stepchild alerted the authorities about his suspicions.
She said Ruben proceeded to conduct the "sweet game" with six boys that night - that Saturday - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that stage," she continued.
The oversight body, the investigative body, previously told that it was reviewing the police response of the incident.
Mrs Prior explained the children were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so the stepson notified the law enforcement once more.
She said the defendant then conducted the "candy game" in a space of five youngsters.
