An individual who contaminated treats with sedative 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 defendant was arrested after eight minors and a grown-up became sick at the location in July.
The senior citizen, from that region, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at the judicial center on Friday.
Yet, he denied one particular crime he was accused of, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was held in detention prior to a further hearing on late November.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, described the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She explained his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a summer program which he operated.
The man engaged in a "treat game" with the minors, the prosecutor explained, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to consume candy "rapidly".
She told the court the man had engaged in this activity with the young males "over an extended period", and children had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She explained 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 continued: "Recently" his stepchild had worries about the activities, for good reason.
"They decided to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel said materials including lubricant, Vaseline and medical needles were located, and his stepson notified the authorities about his concerns.
She explained the man went on to engage in the "sweet game" with six boys that time - that Saturday - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that point," she continued.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, previously told that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the situation.
The legal representative explained the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the family member called the authorities once more.
She said Ruben then engaged in the "candy game" in a space of five children.
