🔗 Share this article

An individual who laced sweets with tranquilliser and gave them to minors at a summer program in the area has admitted sexual crimes against two children aged nine and ten years old.

The accused was taken into custody after eight children and one adult became sick at the location in July.

The 76-year-old, from that region, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at the judicial center on Friday.

However, he denied one particular crime he was accused of, which was concerning a young boy.

The accused was remanded in custody prior to a further hearing on 28 November.

'Sweet game'

The legal representative, prosecuting, detailed the defendant's actions to the court.

She said his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a summer program which he operated.

Ruben conducted a "treat game" with the children, the prosecutor stated, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and request they to ingest treats "rapidly".

She stated to the judge the man had played this game with the boys "repeatedly", and youngsters had previously become sick the following morning.

She said the man had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had worries in recently.

The prosecutor continued: "This year his stepchild had concerns about what was going on, with valid cause.

"They decided to examine in the man's possessions."

The prosecutor said objects including infant oil, ointment and syringes were located, and his stepson notified the authorities about his concerns.

She said the defendant proceeded to engage in the "candy game" with six youngsters that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.

"The police had not gone out by that time," she stated further.

The oversight body, the investigative body, previously told that it was investigating the police response of the events.

The legal representative explained the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson called the law enforcement again.

She explained Ruben then engaged in the "candy game" in a space of five children.