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A man who laced candy with sleeping medication and distributed them to minors at a summer camp in the area has admitted sexual offenses against two children aged nine and 10.

The defendant was arrested after eight children and one adult became sick at the location in the summer month.

The senior citizen, from that region, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at the courthouse on the end of the week.

However, he denied one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was concerning a young boy.

The defendant was kept in jail prior to a additional proceeding on late November.

'Treat game'

The legal representative, handling the case, detailed the defendant's actions to the court.

She stated his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a summer camp which he ran.

The man played a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel stated, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were settling down and ask them to consume candy "as fast as possible".

She stated to the judge Ruben had played this game with the children "over an extended period", and children had previously become sick the following morning.

She said Ruben had been able to explain this for many years as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had concerns in July 2025.

The prosecutor stated further: "This year his stepson had suspicions about the activities, with valid cause.

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

The legal counsel stated objects including lubricant, ointment and injection devices were located, and his stepson contacted the authorities about his suspicions.

She stated the defendant continued to play the "candy game" with six boys that time - July 26th - and they were all sick the next day.

"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that stage," she stated further.

The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, had stated that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the events.

Mrs Prior said the children were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson contacted the law enforcement a second time.

She stated the man then engaged in the "treat game" in a area of five children.