An individual who laced sweets with tranquilliser and gave them to youngsters at a summer camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two boys who were nine and 10.
The accused was taken into custody after eight minors and one adult experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from that region, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he stood at the courthouse on recently.
However, he denied one particular crime he was charged with, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was kept in jail prior to a additional proceeding on late November.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, detailed the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She explained his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a summer camp which he managed.
Ruben conducted a "sweet game" with the minors, the legal counsel said, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge Ruben had engaged in this activity with the boys "over an extended period", and minors had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She said the man had been able to explain this over a long period as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had worries in July 2025.
The legal representative stated further: "In the summer" his family member had worries about what was going on, for good reason.
"They chose" to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor said items including lubricant, petroleum jelly and injection devices were located, and his stepchild notified the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She explained the defendant went on to play the "treat game" with six children that time - July 26th - and they were all sick the following morning.
"Authorities" had not responded by that time," she continued.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, had stated that it was examining law enforcement's management of the events.
Mrs Prior stated the minors were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so the stepson called the law enforcement again.
She said the man then played the "candy game" in a room of five minors.
