An individual who laced treats with tranquilliser and distributed them to minors at a summer program in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two young males aged nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight children and one adult became sick at the location in July.
The senior citizen, from that region, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at the courthouse on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he denied one particular crime he was charged with, which was against a nine-year-old child.
The accused was held in detention before a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, outlined Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She explained his victims were under-privileged children who were attending a summer program which he operated.
Ruben conducted a "candy game" with the children, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had engaged in this activity with the young males "repeatedly", and children had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She explained the man had been able to explain this for many years as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had worries in July 2025.
The legal representative stated further: "In the summer" his family member had worries about the situation, for good reason.
"They decided to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC explained objects including infant oil, ointment and injection devices were located, and his stepson contacted the authorities about his concerns.
She said Ruben went on to engage in the "sweet game" with six boys that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"The police had not responded by that stage," she continued.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, previously told that it was examining the police response of the events.
The prosecutor explained the children were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson contacted the authorities a second time.
She stated the defendant then played the "treat game" in a area of five children.
