A man who spiked treats with tranquilliser and distributed them to children at a summer program in the area has admitted sexual offences against two boys who were between nine and ten.
The defendant was arrested after eight children and an older person fell ill at the location in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from that region, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at the courthouse on Friday.
Yet, he disputed a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was involving a young boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody prior to a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, outlined the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She said his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a summer program which he ran.
Ruben conducted a "sweet game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge Ruben had conducted this practice with the young males "for many years", and minors had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She stated Ruben had been capable of justifying this for many years as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had worries in recently.
The legal representative added: "In the summer" his stepson had worries about the situation, for good reason.
"They chose" to investigate in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor explained items including infant oil, ointment and medical needles were discovered, and his stepchild alerted the authorities about his concerns.
She stated the man continued to conduct the "candy game" with six youngsters that night - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"The police had not gone out by that point," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was examining law enforcement's management of the events.
Mrs Prior said the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so the family member called the law enforcement a second time.
She said the man then played the "candy game" in a space of five youngsters.
