An individual who spiked candy with sleeping medication and gave them to minors at a summer program in the area has confessed to sexual offenses against two children both nine and ten years old.
The accused was taken into custody after eight youngsters and one adult fell ill at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from that region, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he was present at the courthouse on recently.
Nevertheless, he disputed one particular crime he was facing, which was against a young boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody prior to a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, outlined the criminal behavior to the court.
She explained his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a summer camp which he operated.
The man engaged in a "treat game" with the children, the legal counsel stated, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to consume candy "rapidly".
She told the court the defendant had played this game with the young males "over an extended period", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She said Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had suspicions in July 2025.
The legal representative added: "This year his family member had worries about the situation, justifiably.
"They chose" to examine in the individual's items."
The legal counsel said objects including baby oil, ointment and injection devices were found, and his stepchild notified the police about his worries.
She said the defendant proceeded to conduct the "candy game" with six boys that night - that Saturday - and they were all sick the next day.
"The police had not arrived by that time," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, had stated that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the incident.
Mrs Prior said the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so the stepson called the law enforcement once more.
She said the defendant then conducted the "sweet game" in a space of five youngsters.
