A person who contaminated candy with sleeping medication and distributed them to children at a summer camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two young males both nine and 10.
The defendant was arrested after eight minors and one adult fell ill at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from that region, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at the judicial center on Friday.
However, he refused to admit one particular crime he was facing, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was held in detention before a further hearing on November 28th.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, described Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She explained his targets were under-privileged children who were staying at a summer program which he operated.
The defendant played a "treat game" with the minors, the legal counsel explained, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and request they to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings the man had engaged in this activity with the children "over an extended period", and children had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She said Ruben had been able to explain this over a long period as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had concerns in recently.
The legal representative continued: "Recently" his stepson had concerns about the situation, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor stated objects including infant oil, petroleum jelly and syringes were found, and his stepson contacted the law enforcement about his worries.
She said Ruben went on to play the "treat game" with six youngsters that time - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that stage," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was examining law enforcement's management of the situation.
The legal representative explained the minors were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the stepson contacted the authorities a second time.
She said the man then played the "treat game" in a room of five children.
