An individual who contaminated candy with sleeping medication and gave them to minors at a summer program in the region has confessed to sexual offenses against two children both nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight minors and a grown-up became sick at the facility in July.
The senior citizen, from that region, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at the judicial center on recently.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was against a young boy.
The defendant was held in detention before a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, described the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She explained his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a summer camp which he managed.
The man engaged in a "treat game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor stated, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to eat sweets "rapidly".
She told the court Ruben had engaged in this activity with the children "over an extended period", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She stated the man had been able to explain this repeatedly as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had worries in July 2025.
The prosecutor stated further: "In the summer" his stepchild had worries about the situation, with valid cause.
"They decided to examine in the individual's items."
The prosecutor explained items including lubricant, ointment and syringes were found, and his family member alerted the police about his worries.
She said the man continued to engage in the "treat game" with six youngsters that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the next day.
"The police had not responded by that stage," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, had stated that it was examining the police response of the situation.
The legal representative stated the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so the family member contacted the law enforcement a second time.
She stated the man then engaged in the "candy game" in a space of five youngsters.
