A person who spiked treats with tranquilliser and provided them to children at a summer program in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two boys who were between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight youngsters and an older person became sick at the facility in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from that region, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at the courthouse on recently.
However, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was facing, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was kept in jail prior to a subsequent court date on late November.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, outlined the defendant's actions to the court.
She said his those affected were under-privileged children who were staying at a summer camp which he managed.
The defendant engaged in a "sweet game" with the minors, the legal counsel explained, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She told the court the defendant had conducted this practice with the young males "for many years", and minors had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She said Ruben had been able to explain this over a long period as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had concerns in summer 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "In the summer" his stepchild had concerns about the situation, for good reason.
"They chose" to investigate in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel explained items including lubricant, ointment and medical needles were found, and his stepson notified the authorities about his suspicions.
She said Ruben went on to conduct the "candy game" with six boys that time - that Saturday - and they were all sick the next day.
"The police had not arrived by that point," she continued.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, previously told that it was investigating the police response of the situation.
The legal representative stated the youngsters were struggling to walk due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson contacted the police a second time.
She stated Ruben then played the "treat game" in a area of five children.
