A person who laced candy with sleeping medication and provided them to children at a summer program in the region has admitted sexual offences against two young males both nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight minors and one adult fell ill at the location in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from that region, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he was present at the judicial center on the end of the week.
However, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was against a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was remanded in custody prior to a further hearing on 28 November.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, outlined the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She stated his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a summer program which he operated.
The man played a "candy game" with the children, the prosecutor said, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and request they to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She told the court Ruben had engaged in this activity with the children "over an extended period", and minors had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She said the defendant had been capable of justifying this repeatedly as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had concerns in July 2025.
The prosecutor stated further: "In the summer" his family member had worries about the activities, justifiably.
"They chose" to have a look in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC said items including lubricant, petroleum jelly and medical needles were discovered, and his stepson contacted the police about his concerns.
She stated the man proceeded to conduct the "treat game" with six children that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the next day.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that point," she continued.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, had stated that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the events.
The prosecutor explained the minors were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson called the authorities once more.
She stated the defendant then engaged in the "candy game" in a area of five children.
