An individual who laced sweets with sleeping medication and provided them to youngsters at a summer camp in the region has admitted sexual offences against two boys both nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight youngsters and a grown-up became sick at the facility in July.
The senior citizen, from that region, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at the courthouse on Friday.
However, he denied one particular crime he was accused of, which was concerning a young boy.
The accused was remanded in custody before a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, described the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She stated his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a summer camp which he ran.
The man played a "sweet game" with the children, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to ingest treats "rapidly".
She stated to the judge the man had engaged in this activity with the young males "over an extended period", and children had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She said the defendant had been able to explain this over a long period as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had worries in July 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "Recently" his family member had worries about the situation, justifiably.
"They decided to examine in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC explained materials including lubricant, petroleum jelly and injection devices were discovered, and his family member alerted the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She explained Ruben continued to engage in the "candy game" with six youngsters that night - that Saturday - and they were all ill the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that stage," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the situation.
Mrs Prior said the minors were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so the family member contacted the authorities again.
She said Ruben then played the "sweet game" in a space of five minors.
