An individual who spiked sweets with tranquilliser and distributed them to children at a summer camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two young males who were between nine and ten.
The defendant was detained after eight children and one adult 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 courthouse on Friday.
Yet, 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 further hearing on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, described the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She explained his victims were under-privileged children who were participating in a summer program which he ran.
The defendant conducted a "candy game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel said, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and request they to consume candy "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 next day.
She stated Ruben had been able to explain this over a long period as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his stepchild had concerns in recently.
The legal representative continued: "In the summer" his stepson had worries about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to examine in the individual's items."
The prosecutor said materials including infant oil, ointment and syringes were located, and his stepson notified the law enforcement about his concerns.
She explained Ruben went on to play the "sweet game" with six children that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the following morning.
"The police had not responded by that point," she continued.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, previously told that it was examining the police response of the events.
The prosecutor said the minors were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so the family member notified the police once more.
She stated the defendant then played the "sweet game" in a space of five minors.
