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A man who contaminated treats with sleeping medication and gave them to youngsters at a summer program in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two young males who were nine and ten years old.

The accused was detained after eight children and one adult became sick at the facility in mid-summer.

The 76-year-old, from that region, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at the judicial center on Friday.

Nevertheless, he denied a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was against a young boy.

Ruben was held in detention ahead of a additional proceeding on November 28th.

'Treat game'

The prosecutor, prosecuting, outlined the criminal behavior to the court.

She explained his those affected were under-privileged children who were participating in a summer program which he managed.

Ruben conducted a "candy game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel said, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to consume candy "rapidly".

She informed the proceedings Ruben had engaged in this activity with the boys "over an extended period", and minors had previously fallen ill the next day.

She said the man had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had worries in summer 2025.

Mrs Prior KC stated further: "In the summer" his stepson had suspicions about the situation, for good reason.

"They resolved" to examine in the individual's items."

The legal counsel explained objects including lubricant, Vaseline and syringes were located, and his family member contacted the authorities about his suspicions.

She explained the man proceeded to engage in the "candy game" with six boys that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the next day.

"Authorities" had not gone out by that time," she added.

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

The legal representative stated the children were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson called the police a second time.

She explained the defendant then conducted the "sweet game" in a area of five youngsters.