A person who contaminated sweets with sleeping medication and gave them to children at a youth camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two children who were between nine and ten.
The accused was arrested after eight minors and an older person became sick at Stathern Lodge in July.
The senior citizen, from that region, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at the judicial center on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he denied a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was kept in jail before a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, handling the case, outlined the criminal behavior to the court.
She stated his victims were under-privileged children who were participating in a summer program which he operated.
Ruben conducted a "treat game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel explained, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and request they to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had engaged in this activity with the young males "for many years", and children had previously fallen ill the next day.
She explained Ruben had been able to explain this over a long period as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had concerns in July 2025.
The legal representative stated further: "Recently" his family member had worries about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They chose" to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel said items including lubricant, ointment and injection devices were found, and his family member contacted the law enforcement about his worries.
She explained Ruben went on to play the "sweet game" with six youngsters that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"The police had not gone out by that time," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, had stated that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the situation.
The prosecutor said the children were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so the family member notified the police a second time.
She said the man then engaged in the "sweet game" in a area of five youngsters.
