A man who laced treats with sedative and gave them to children at a summer program in the area has confessed to sexual offences against two children aged between nine and ten.
The defendant was arrested after eight minors and a grown-up experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in July.
The elderly man, from that region, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at the courthouse on recently.
However, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was against a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was kept in jail prior to a further hearing on 28 November.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, detailed the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She said his victims were under-privileged children who were staying at a youth camp which he ran.
Ruben played a "sweet game" with the children, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge Ruben had conducted this practice with the children "for many years", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She stated Ruben had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had worries in July 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "This year his stepchild had suspicions about the situation, with valid cause.
"They chose" to have a look in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor explained objects including infant oil, Vaseline and medical needles were located, and his stepson contacted the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She explained Ruben proceeded to play the "treat game" with six youngsters that time - that Saturday - and they were all sick the next day.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that time," she added.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was investigating the police response of the situation.
The legal representative stated the minors were struggling to walk due to their condition, so the family member contacted the law enforcement once more.
She said Ruben then conducted the "treat game" in a room of five children.
