A person who contaminated candy with sleeping medication and distributed them to youngsters at a youth camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two boys aged nine and ten years old.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight minors and a grown-up fell ill at the location in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from that region, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at the judicial center on Friday.
Yet, he disputed a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was involving a young boy.
Ruben was held in detention prior to a further hearing on November 28th.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, outlined Ruben's offending to the court.
She explained his those affected were under-privileged children who were participating in a summer camp which he ran.
Ruben played a "sweet game" with the minors, the legal counsel stated, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge the defendant had played this game with the boys "over an extended period", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She said the defendant had been capable of justifying this for many years as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had concerns in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "This year his family member had suspicions about the activities, justifiably.
"They chose" to examine in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC explained objects including baby oil, ointment and injection devices were found, and his stepchild notified the authorities about his worries.
She stated Ruben proceeded to play the "candy game" with six children that evening - that Saturday - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that time," she added.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the situation.
The legal representative said the children were struggling to walk due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson called the authorities again.
She explained the defendant then played the "treat game" in a room of five youngsters.
