A person who contaminated candy with tranquilliser and gave them to children at a summer camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two children who were between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight minors and an older person became sick at the facility in July.
The senior citizen, from that region, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at the courthouse on Friday.
Nevertheless, he disputed one particular crime he was facing, which was against a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was held in detention prior to a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, described Ruben's offending to the court.
She said his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a youth camp which he ran.
The defendant played a "sweet game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge the defendant had played this game with the boys "over an extended period", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She explained Ruben had been able to explain this repeatedly as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had worries in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "Recently" his family member had suspicions about the situation, for good reason.
"They chose" to have a look in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor stated materials including lubricant, petroleum jelly and injection devices were located, and his stepchild notified the police about his suspicions.
She explained the man proceeded to play the "treat game" with six children that night - that Saturday - and they were all sick the next day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that stage," she continued.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was examining law enforcement's management of the incident.
The prosecutor explained the minors were struggling to walk due to their condition, so the family member notified the police once more.
She said the man then engaged in the "sweet game" in a space of five children.
