A person who spiked candy with tranquilliser and distributed them to minors at a summer camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two young males both nine and 10.
The defendant was detained after eight minors and an older person became sick at Stathern Lodge in July.
The elderly man, from that region, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he stood at the courthouse on Friday.
However, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was held in detention prior to a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, outlined Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She said his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a summer program which he managed.
Ruben engaged in a "sweet game" with the minors, the prosecutor stated, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had played this game with the children "over an extended period", and children had previously become sick the following morning.
She stated the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had concerns in summer 2025.
The legal representative continued: "Recently" his stepson had suspicions about the activities, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to investigate in the individual's items."
The legal counsel said objects including infant oil, ointment and medical needles were found, and his stepson notified the police about his suspicions.
She said the defendant went on to play the "candy game" with six youngsters that time - July 26th - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"The police had not responded by that stage," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, had stated that it was examining the police response of the situation.
The legal representative stated the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson notified the law enforcement a second time.
She said the defendant then engaged in the "treat game" in a area of five youngsters.
