An individual who spiked sweets with tranquilliser and gave them to youngsters at a youth camp in the area has confessed to sexual crimes against two young males who were nine and ten years old.
The accused was taken into custody after eight minors and one adult became sick at the location in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from that region, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he was present at the courthouse on Friday.
Yet, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was against a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was held in detention prior to a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, outlined the criminal behavior to the court.
She explained his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a youth camp which he operated.
The defendant engaged in a "treat game" with the minors, the legal counsel explained, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and request they to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She told the court the man had engaged in this activity with the young males "for many years", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She stated Ruben had been able to explain this for many years as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his stepchild had worries in July 2025.
The legal representative added: "This year his family member had concerns about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They decided to investigate in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel explained items including infant oil, ointment and syringes were located, and his stepchild alerted the authorities about his suspicions.
She stated Ruben proceeded to conduct the "treat game" with six youngsters that night - that Saturday - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that time," she added.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the incident.
The prosecutor explained the minors were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so the stepson notified the authorities once more.
She explained Ruben then played the "treat game" in a room of five children.
