An individual who contaminated candy with tranquilliser and provided them to youngsters at a youth camp in the area has admitted sexual crimes against two children both between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight minors and an older person became sick at the location in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from that region, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he stood at the judicial center on Friday.
Yet, he denied one particular crime he was accused of, which was involving a young boy.
The accused was kept in jail ahead of a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, described Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She said his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a youth camp which he operated.
The defendant engaged in a "candy game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel explained, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were settling down and tell them to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge Ruben had played this game with the boys "repeatedly", and minors had previously become sick the following morning.
She said the defendant had been capable of justifying this for many years as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had concerns in summer 2025.
The legal representative stated further: "In the summer" his stepchild had concerns about the situation, justifiably.
"They decided to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel stated items including infant oil, ointment and syringes were located, and his stepchild contacted the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She explained the defendant went on to engage in the "candy game" with six youngsters that time - that Saturday - and they were all ill the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that point," she stated further.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was reviewing the police response of the events.
The prosecutor said the children were struggling to walk due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson called the law enforcement a second time.
She stated Ruben then conducted the "sweet game" in a space of five minors.
