An individual who spiked candy with sedative and gave them to minors at a youth camp in the area has admitted sexual crimes against two boys who were between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight youngsters and a grown-up became sick at the location in July.
The elderly man, from that region, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he stood at the courthouse on Friday.
However, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was facing, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was held in detention ahead of a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, described Ruben's offending to the court.
She explained his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a youth camp which he operated.
The man engaged in a "sweet game" with the minors, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and request they to eat sweets "rapidly".
She stated to the judge Ruben had played this game with the young males "repeatedly", and youngsters had previously become sick the next day.
She stated the defendant had been capable of justifying this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had worries in July 2025.
The legal representative stated further: "In the summer" his family member had suspicions about what was going on, justifiably.
"They chose" to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC explained objects including lubricant, ointment and medical needles were found, and his family member notified the authorities about his concerns.
She explained the man proceeded to engage in the "candy game" with six boys that night - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"The police had not responded by that time," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was examining the police response of the incident.
The legal representative said the children were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so the stepson contacted the authorities once more.
She stated Ruben then played the "candy game" in a area of five children.
