A person who spiked candy with tranquilliser and provided them to children at a youth camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two children both nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight youngsters and one adult fell ill at the facility in July.
The 76-year-old, from that region, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at the judicial center on Friday.
Nevertheless, he disputed one particular crime he was accused of, which was against a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was kept in jail prior to a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, outlined the criminal behavior to the court.
She said his victims were under-privileged children who were attending a summer program which he managed.
The defendant engaged in a "candy game" with the minors, Mrs Prior said, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and tell them to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings the man had conducted this practice with the young males "over an extended period", and minors had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She stated the man had been able to explain this over a long period as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had suspicions in July 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "This year his family member had worries about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They chose" to investigate in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC said items including infant oil, Vaseline and medical needles were located, and his stepson notified the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She said the defendant continued to play the "treat game" with six boys that evening - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"The police had not arrived by that time," she continued.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was examining the police response of the situation.
The prosecutor said the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the stepson notified the police a second time.
She explained Ruben then conducted the "treat game" in a space of five youngsters.
