Individual pleads guilty to sexual crimes involving children at summer program
A man who spiked candy with tranquilliser and distributed them to children at a youth camp in the region has confessed to sexual offences against two young males who were nine and 10.
The accused was taken into custody after eight minors and one adult became sick at the facility in July.
The 76-year-old, from that region, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he was present at the judicial center on Friday.
Yet, he denied one particular crime he was charged with, which was involving a young boy.
The defendant was held in detention ahead of a additional proceeding on late November.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, outlined the criminal behavior to the court.
She stated his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a summer program which he operated.
The defendant engaged in a "treat game" with the minors, the legal counsel said, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were preparing to sleep and request they to ingest treats "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings the man had conducted this practice with the boys "repeatedly", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She explained the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had worries in July 2025.
The prosecutor added: "This year his family member had concerns about the situation, for good reason.
"They resolved" to investigate in the individual's items."
The prosecutor stated items including infant oil, ointment and medical needles were found, and his stepson contacted the authorities about his suspicions.
She said the man went on to engage in the "candy game" with six children that evening - July 26th - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not responded by that stage," she stated further.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was examining the police response of the situation.
The legal representative said the children were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson called the authorities a second time.
She explained Ruben then conducted the "sweet game" in a room of five children.
