An individual who contaminated sweets with tranquilliser and provided them to children at a summer camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two children who were between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight children and a grown-up fell ill at the location in mid-summer.
The senior citizen, from that region, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at the courthouse on Friday.
Nevertheless, he denied one particular crime he was accused of, which was involving a young boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody prior to a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, described the criminal behavior to the court.
She explained his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a youth camp which he operated.
The man engaged in a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor explained, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and tell them to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge the defendant had conducted this practice with the children "for many years", and youngsters had previously become sick the next day.
She said Ruben had been able to explain this for many years as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had suspicions in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "This year his stepson had suspicions about the activities, justifiably.
"They decided to have a look in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel said items including infant oil, Vaseline and injection devices were located, and his family member alerted the police about his concerns.
She stated the man continued to conduct the "sweet game" with six boys that evening - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"The police had not gone out by that stage," she added.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the events.
The legal representative said the minors were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so the family member called the authorities a second time.
She explained Ruben then engaged in the "treat game" in a area of five minors.
