A person who contaminated sweets with sedative and provided them to minors at a youth camp in the area has confessed to sexual crimes against two children both nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight children and one adult experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in July.
The senior citizen, from that region, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at the judicial center on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he denied a single sexual charge he was facing, which was against a young boy.
The accused was remanded in custody ahead of a further hearing on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, outlined the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She explained his targets were under-privileged children who were attending a summer camp which he managed.
Ruben played a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor explained, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings the man had conducted this practice with the young males "over an extended period", and minors had previously become sick the following morning.
She stated Ruben had been able to explain this over a long period as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had suspicions in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "Recently" his stepchild had concerns about the situation, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to investigate in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel stated objects including baby oil, ointment and medical needles were found, and his stepchild alerted the police about his worries.
She said Ruben continued to engage in the "candy game" with six boys that evening - July 26th - and they were all sick the next day.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that time," she stated further.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the incident.
The prosecutor said the children were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so the stepson contacted the police again.
She said Ruben then played the "candy game" in a space of five youngsters.
