A man who contaminated treats with sleeping medication and provided them to children at a summer camp in the region has confessed to sexual crimes against two children who were between nine and ten.
The accused was arrested after eight youngsters and a grown-up became sick at the location in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from that region, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at the judicial center on Friday.
However, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was against a nine-year-old child.
The accused was kept in jail before a further hearing on 28 November.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, described the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She explained his targets were under-privileged children who were staying at a youth camp which he operated.
The defendant played a "treat game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor explained, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were settling down and request they to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had engaged in this activity with the boys "for many years", and youngsters had previously become sick the following morning.
She explained the man had been able to explain this over a long period as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had concerns in summer 2025.
The legal representative added: "In the summer" his family member had suspicions about the activities, with valid cause.
"They chose" to investigate in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor stated materials including infant oil, ointment and medical needles were found, and his stepchild notified the law enforcement about his concerns.
She stated Ruben proceeded to conduct the "candy game" with six boys that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"The police had not responded by that stage," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, had stated that it was reviewing the police response of the incident.
Mrs Prior explained the children were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so the stepson called the police once more.
She said the man then engaged in the "treat game" in a space of five children.
