An individual who spiked candy with tranquilliser and distributed them to minors at a summer program in the area has admitted sexual offenses against two young males aged nine and ten years old.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight children and a grown-up fell ill at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from that region, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at the courthouse on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he denied a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was against a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was kept in jail prior to a further hearing on late November.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, outlined the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She explained his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer program which he managed.
The man played a "candy game" with the children, the prosecutor explained, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge the defendant had played this game with the boys "over an extended period", and children had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She explained the man had been able to explain this over a long period as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had worries in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "This year his stepson had worries about the activities, for good reason.
"They chose" to examine in the individual's items."
The legal counsel explained items including lubricant, Vaseline and injection devices were located, and his stepson alerted the police about his concerns.
She stated Ruben continued to engage in the "treat game" with six children that time - July 26th - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that point," she continued.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, had stated that it was reviewing the police response of the incident.
The prosecutor explained the minors were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the stepson notified the law enforcement again.
She explained the defendant then conducted the "treat game" in a room of five children.
