A person who laced sweets with sedative and gave them to minors at a youth camp in the area has admitted sexual crimes against two boys who were nine and 10.
The accused was detained after eight youngsters and one adult fell ill at the location in July.
The elderly man, from that region, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he stood at the courthouse on Friday.
Yet, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was facing, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was remanded in custody ahead of a subsequent court date on late November.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, outlined the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She stated his victims were under-privileged children who were attending a youth camp which he operated.
Ruben played a "treat game" with the children, the prosecutor said, in which he would enter the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and request they to ingest treats "rapidly".
She told the court the defendant had conducted this practice with the boys "for many years", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She stated Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had worries in July 2025.
The legal representative added: "Recently" his stepson had worries about the situation, with valid cause.
"They chose" to have a look in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC stated materials including infant oil, Vaseline and syringes were found, and his stepson contacted the police about his concerns.
She explained Ruben went on to engage in the "candy game" with six children that night - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that stage," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the events.
The legal representative stated the children were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the stepson contacted the authorities again.
She stated Ruben then conducted the "treat game" in a space of five minors.