An individual who contaminated candy with sedative and provided them to minors at a youth camp in the area has confessed to sexual offences against two boys both nine and 10.
The accused was taken into custody after eight youngsters and one adult experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The senior citizen, from that region, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he stood at the judicial center on Friday.
Yet, he disputed one particular crime he was charged with, which was concerning a young boy.
The accused was held in detention ahead of a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, detailed Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She said his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a summer camp which he ran.
The man conducted a "sweet game" with the minors, the legal counsel said, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge Ruben had conducted this practice with the boys "repeatedly", and minors had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She stated the man had been able to explain this repeatedly as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his stepchild had concerns in July 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "This year his family member had suspicions about the situation, justifiably.
"They decided to have a look in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor said materials including lubricant, ointment and injection devices were discovered, and his family member contacted the police about his worries.
She stated Ruben proceeded to play the "candy game" with six children that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that time," she added.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the events.
Mrs Prior said the minors were struggling to walk due to their condition, so the family member contacted the law enforcement again.
She stated the defendant then conducted the "treat game" in a area of five minors.
