Individual pleads guilty to sexual crimes involving boys at summer program
An individual who laced candy with tranquilliser and gave them to youngsters at a summer camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two young males both between nine and ten.
The accused was arrested after eight minors and one adult experienced illness 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 Friday.
However, he disputed one particular crime he was charged with, which was concerning a young boy.
The accused was kept in jail before a further hearing on November 28th.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, described the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She stated his targets were under-privileged children who were attending a youth camp which he operated.
The defendant played a "candy game" with the children, the legal counsel stated, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and request they to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge Ruben had played this game with the boys "over an extended period", and minors had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She explained Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had worries in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "This year his family member had suspicions about the activities, justifiably.
"They decided to have a look in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC stated materials including baby oil, ointment and syringes were discovered, and his stepson notified the police about his suspicions.
She explained Ruben went on to play the "sweet game" with six youngsters that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that stage," she stated further.
The oversight body, the investigative body, previously told that it was examining the police response of the events.
Mrs Prior explained the children were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson notified the authorities a second time.
She said Ruben then conducted the "sweet game" in a space of five minors.
