A man who contaminated treats with sedative and provided them to minors at a summer camp in the area has admitted sexual offences against two young males both between nine and ten.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight youngsters and one adult experienced illness at the location in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from that region, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at the courthouse on Friday.
Nevertheless, he disputed a single sexual charge he was facing, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
The accused was remanded in custody before a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, handling the case, detailed the defendant's actions to the court.
She said his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a youth camp which he operated.
Ruben played a "candy game" with the children, the legal counsel explained, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge the defendant had engaged in this activity with the young males "repeatedly", and children had previously become sick the following morning.
She stated the man had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had concerns in July 2025.
The prosecutor stated further: "Recently" his stepson had concerns about the situation, for good reason.
"They decided to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor explained objects including baby oil, ointment and syringes were found, and his stepson contacted the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She said Ruben proceeded to conduct the "sweet game" with six youngsters that time - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that point," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, had stated that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the events.
Mrs Prior said the children were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the family member called the law enforcement a second time.
She said the defendant then conducted the "sweet game" in a room of five minors.
