Man confesses to sexual crimes against boys at youth camp
A man who spiked candy with sleeping medication and distributed them to children at a summer camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two young males both nine and 10.
The accused was detained after eight children and an older person became sick at the facility in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from that region, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he was present at the courthouse on Friday.
Nevertheless, he disputed a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was against a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was remanded in custody prior to a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, detailed Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She stated his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer program which he ran.
The defendant conducted a "treat game" with the children, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She told the court the defendant had played this game with the young males "over an extended period", and minors had previously become sick the next day.
She explained Ruben had been able to explain this over a long period as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had concerns in recently.
The prosecutor continued: "This year his family member had concerns about the activities, with valid cause.
"They decided to examine in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel stated items including lubricant, ointment and medical needles were discovered, and his family member notified the authorities about his suspicions.
She stated the man continued to play the "sweet game" with six children that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that stage," she added.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, previously told that it was examining the police response of the situation.
Mrs Prior stated the children were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the stepson contacted the authorities once more.
She said Ruben then conducted the "treat game" in a area of five children.
