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A person who laced treats with sedative and distributed them to children at a summer program in the area has confessed to sexual crimes against two boys aged nine and 10.

The defendant was detained after eight children and an older person became sick at the location in July.

The 76-year-old, from that region, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he was present at the courthouse on recently.

Yet, he refused to admit one particular crime he was facing, which was concerning a young boy.

Ruben was held in detention prior to a further hearing on late November.

'Treat game'

The prosecutor, handling the case, described the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.

She explained his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a youth camp which he operated.

Ruben played a "sweet game" with the minors, Mrs Prior said, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and request they to eat sweets "rapidly".

She stated to the judge Ruben had conducted this practice with the young males "over an extended period", and children had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.

She said the defendant had been able to explain this over a long period as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his stepchild had worries in July 2025.

Mrs Prior KC added: "In the summer" his family member had concerns about the situation, for good reason.

"They chose" to have a look in the defendant's belongings."

Mrs Prior KC explained materials including baby oil, petroleum jelly and injection devices were discovered, and his stepchild notified the police about his suspicions.

She explained Ruben proceeded to conduct the "sweet game" with six boys that time - that Saturday - and they were all sick the following morning.

"Authorities" had not responded by that point," she stated further.

The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was examining the police response of the events.

The prosecutor said the children were struggling to walk due to their condition, so the stepson contacted the law enforcement once more.

She said the defendant then played the "treat game" in a space of five minors.