An individual who spiked treats with tranquilliser and distributed them to children at a summer camp in the area has confessed to sexual offences against two young males both nine and ten years old.
The accused was arrested after eight minors and an older person fell ill at the location in July.
The elderly man, from that region, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at the courthouse on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he denied one particular crime he was charged with, which was against a nine-year-old child.
The defendant was held in detention ahead of a subsequent court date on late November.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, outlined Ruben's offending to the legal proceedings.
She said his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a summer program which he operated.
The man played a "treat game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel said, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and request they to consume candy "rapidly".
She stated to the judge the defendant had conducted this practice with the boys "for many years", and minors had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She said the man had been able to explain this for many years as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had concerns in recently.
The prosecutor continued: "This year his stepchild had concerns about the activities, with valid cause.
"They decided to have a look in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor explained objects including infant oil, petroleum jelly and injection devices were located, and his stepchild alerted the law enforcement about his worries.
She said the defendant went on to play the "sweet game" with six boys that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the following morning.
"The police had not arrived by that stage," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, previously told that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the events.
The legal representative explained the minors were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so the family member notified the authorities a second time.
She said the man then played the "candy game" in a area of five youngsters.
