An individual who laced treats with sleeping medication and gave them to children at a summer program in the area has admitted sexual offenses against two boys both nine and ten years old.
The accused was detained after eight minors and one adult fell ill at the facility in July.
The senior citizen, from that region, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at the judicial center on Friday.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit one particular crime he was facing, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody ahead of a further hearing on 28 November.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, outlined Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She stated his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a summer program which he managed.
The defendant played a "treat game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would go into the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and ask them to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge the man had conducted this practice with the boys "repeatedly", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She stated the man had been capable of justifying this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had concerns in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "This year his family member had worries about what was going on, for good reason.
"They decided to examine in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC stated items including lubricant, petroleum jelly and medical needles were discovered, and his family member contacted the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She stated the man proceeded to engage in the "treat game" with six children that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the next day.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that stage," she added.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, had stated that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the events.
The prosecutor said the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the family member contacted the law enforcement once more.
She stated Ruben then conducted the "treat game" in a area of five children.
