A man who contaminated sweets with sleeping medication and gave them to minors at a summer program in the region has admitted sexual offenses against two boys who were between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight youngsters and one adult became sick at the facility in July.
The elderly man, from that region, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he stood at the judicial center on the end of the week.
However, he denied one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was concerning a young boy.
Ruben was held in detention before a additional proceeding on late November.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, outlined the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She explained his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a summer camp which he operated.
The man conducted a "treat game" with the minors, the legal counsel said, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to consume candy "rapidly".
She stated to the judge the defendant had conducted this practice with the young males "for many years", and children had previously fallen ill the next day.
She said the defendant had been capable of justifying this for many years as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had concerns in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "Recently" his stepson had concerns about the situation, for good reason.
"They chose" to examine in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC stated items including baby oil, petroleum jelly and syringes were located, and his family member contacted the authorities about his concerns.
She said Ruben went on to conduct the "sweet game" with six youngsters that evening - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that point," she added.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was reviewing the police response of the situation.
The prosecutor explained the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so the stepson contacted the police a second time.
She stated Ruben then conducted the "sweet game" in a area of five minors.
