A man who spiked treats with sedative and gave them to children at a youth camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two young males who were nine and 10.
The accused was arrested after eight youngsters and an older person fell ill at the facility in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from that region, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at the courthouse on Friday.
However, he denied a single sexual charge he was facing, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was kept in jail before a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, described the criminal behavior to the court.
She explained his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a youth camp which he ran.
Ruben conducted a "candy game" with the children, Mrs Prior said, in which he would go into the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and ask them to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge the man had conducted this practice with the young males "over an extended period", and minors had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She explained Ruben had been able to explain this for many years as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had concerns in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "In the summer" his stepson had concerns about the activities, with valid cause.
"They decided to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor stated objects including baby oil, petroleum jelly and injection devices were discovered, and his stepchild alerted the police about his worries.
She explained the defendant proceeded to play the "treat game" with six children that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"The police had not arrived by that time," she added.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, had stated that it was reviewing the police response of the events.
The legal representative said the minors were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so the family member contacted the police again.
She stated the man then played the "candy game" in a space of five youngsters.
