A man who spiked sweets with tranquilliser and gave them to youngsters at a summer program in the region has confessed to sexual offenses against two boys aged between nine and ten.
The accused was detained after eight minors and one adult fell ill at the facility in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from that region, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he was present at the judicial center on recently.
Yet, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was kept in jail ahead of a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, detailed the defendant's actions to the judicial body.
She said his targets were under-privileged children who were participating in a summer camp which he ran.
Ruben engaged in a "candy game" with the children, the prosecutor explained, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and ask them to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had engaged in this activity with the young males "over an extended period", and minors had previously become sick the next day.
She stated Ruben had been capable of justifying this repeatedly as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had concerns in recently.
The legal representative continued: "Recently" his stepchild had concerns about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They decided to examine in the individual's items."
The legal counsel stated objects including baby oil, petroleum jelly and injection devices were located, and his family member notified the authorities about his suspicions.
She explained the defendant went on to play the "treat game" with six youngsters that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"The police had not responded by that stage," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was examining the police response of the incident.
The legal representative explained the children were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson contacted the police again.
She stated Ruben then conducted the "candy game" in a room of five minors.
