An individual who contaminated treats with tranquilliser and distributed them to youngsters at a summer program in the area has admitted sexual offenses against two young males both nine and 10.
The defendant was detained after eight minors and one adult became sick at the facility in July.
The elderly man, from that region, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at the judicial center on the end of the week.
Yet, he disputed one particular crime he was accused of, which was against a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was held in detention prior to a further hearing on November 28th.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, described the defendant's actions to the court.
She stated his targets were under-privileged children who were attending a summer program which he operated.
The man engaged in a "candy game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor said, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge Ruben had conducted this practice with the boys "over an extended period", and minors had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She said the man had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had worries in recently.
Mrs Prior KC added: "Recently" his stepchild had suspicions about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They chose" to examine in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor stated items including baby oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were found, and his stepson notified the law enforcement about his worries.
She explained Ruben proceeded to engage in the "treat game" with six children that evening - July 26th - and they were all sick the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that point," she added.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, had stated that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the situation.
The prosecutor said the youngsters were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so the stepson called the authorities a second time.
She stated Ruben then played the "candy game" in a space of five children.
