Individual admits sex offences involving young males at summer program
A man who laced treats with sedative and distributed them to youngsters at a summer program in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two children aged between nine and ten.
The defendant was arrested after eight children and one adult became sick at the facility in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from that region, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at the courthouse on Friday.
However, he disputed one particular crime he was accused of, which was involving a young boy.
Ruben was kept in jail before a further hearing on late November.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, detailed Ruben's offending to the court.
She stated his victims were under-privileged children who were participating in a summer program which he operated.
The man played a "sweet game" with the minors, the prosecutor stated, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and request they to ingest treats "rapidly".
She stated to the judge Ruben had conducted this practice with the boys "for many years", and minors had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She explained Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had worries in July 2025.
The prosecutor stated further: "In the summer" his family member had worries about the activities, with valid cause.
"They decided to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC stated objects including infant oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were found, and his stepson alerted the authorities about his concerns.
She explained the man proceeded to play the "treat game" with six youngsters that night - that Saturday - and they were all ill the following morning.
"The police had not arrived by that time," she added.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, had stated that it was examining the police response of the events.
The prosecutor explained the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so the family member contacted the police once more.
She stated Ruben then played the "sweet game" in a room of five youngsters.
