An individual who laced treats with sleeping medication and distributed them to minors at a youth camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two boys aged between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight minors and one adult became sick at the facility in July.
The senior citizen, from that region, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he was present at the courthouse on Friday.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was remanded in custody before a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, detailed the defendant's actions to the court.
She stated his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a youth camp which he ran.
The man conducted a "candy game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel explained, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and request they to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge Ruben had played this game with the young males "over an extended period", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She stated the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had worries in summer 2025.
The legal representative stated further: "In the summer" his stepson had concerns about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to have a look in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC explained objects including infant oil, ointment and syringes were located, and his family member contacted the police about his concerns.
She explained the man continued to conduct the "sweet game" with six children that time - July 26th - and they were all sick the next day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that point," she added.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was investigating the police response of the events.
Mrs Prior explained the minors were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson contacted the authorities a second time.
She stated Ruben then played the "candy game" in a room of five minors.
