Person admits sex offences against children at youth camp
An individual who contaminated sweets with sedative and distributed them to children at a summer program in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two boys who were nine and 10.
The defendant was detained after eight youngsters and a grown-up became sick at the facility in mid-summer.
The senior citizen, from that region, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at the judicial center on recently.
Yet, he disputed a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was involving a young boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody prior to a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, outlined Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She said his victims were under-privileged children who were participating in a summer program which he operated.
Ruben engaged in a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor stated, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were settling down and request they to eat sweets "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had engaged in this activity with the children "for many years", and children had previously become sick the following morning.
She explained the defendant had been able to explain this over a long period as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had concerns in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "This year his stepson had worries about the activities, with valid cause.
"They chose" to investigate in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC said items including baby oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were found, and his family member contacted the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She stated the man went on to conduct the "sweet game" with six youngsters that time - July 26th - and they were all ill the next day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that time," she stated further.
The oversight body, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was examining the police response of the situation.
Mrs Prior explained the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson called the police a second time.
She said the defendant then conducted the "candy game" in a room of five youngsters.
