An individual who laced candy with tranquilliser and distributed them to children at a youth camp in the area has admitted sexual offenses against two young males aged between nine and ten.
The defendant was taken into custody after eight youngsters and a grown-up became sick at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from that region, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at the courthouse on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was held in detention ahead of a further hearing on November 28th.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, detailed the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She explained his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a summer camp which he ran.
The defendant played a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel stated, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to consume candy "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had played this game with the children "repeatedly", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the next day.
She said the defendant had been able to explain this over a long period as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had suspicions in summer 2025.
The legal representative added: "This year his stepchild had worries about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to examine in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor stated materials including baby oil, ointment and injection devices were found, and his stepson alerted the authorities about his worries.
She explained the defendant proceeded to engage in the "sweet game" with six youngsters that evening - that Saturday - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that point," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was reviewing the police response of the events.
The prosecutor explained the minors were struggling to walk due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson contacted the police again.
She said the man then conducted the "treat game" in a area of five minors.
