A man who contaminated candy with tranquilliser and provided them to children at a summer program in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two boys who were between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight minors and an older person fell ill at the location in mid-summer.
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 disputed one particular crime he was charged with, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was kept in jail prior to a further hearing on late November.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, handling the case, detailed the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She stated his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a summer camp which he managed.
The man engaged in a "candy game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel stated, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She told the court the man had played this game with the young males "repeatedly", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the next day.
She explained Ruben had been capable of justifying this for many years as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had concerns in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "Recently" his stepchild had concerns about the activities, with valid cause.
"They decided to investigate in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC said objects including lubricant, petroleum jelly and syringes were found, and his family member contacted the authorities about his suspicions.
She stated the defendant proceeded to conduct the "candy game" with six boys that evening - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"The police had not gone out by that time," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, had stated that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the events.
The prosecutor explained the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson called the authorities once more.
She explained the defendant then played the "candy game" in a room of five youngsters.
