A person who laced candy with tranquilliser and provided them to children at a summer program in the area has admitted sexual offences against two boys aged nine and 10.
The accused was arrested after eight youngsters and one adult fell ill at the facility in July.
The 76-year-old, from that region, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at the courthouse on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he denied one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was kept in jail before a further hearing on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, outlined the criminal behavior to the court.
She said his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a youth camp which he ran.
Ruben engaged in a "treat game" with the minors, the legal counsel stated, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and request they to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She told the court the man had engaged in this activity with the children "for many years", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She stated Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had suspicions in July 2025.
The prosecutor added: "Recently" his family member had concerns about the activities, with valid cause.
"They chose" to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel said materials including baby oil, Vaseline and medical needles were located, and his family member contacted the police about his suspicions.
She explained Ruben went on to play the "sweet game" with six youngsters that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"The police had not arrived by that stage," she added.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was examining the police response of the situation.
The prosecutor stated the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson contacted the law enforcement again.
She stated the man then engaged in the "candy game" in a room of five children.
