A person who contaminated treats with sleeping medication and provided them to children at a summer camp in the area has confessed to sexual offences against two young males who were nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight children and a grown-up became sick at the facility in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from that region, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he was present at the judicial center on Friday.
However, he denied one particular crime he was facing, which was against a young boy.
The defendant was kept in jail before a further hearing on 28 November.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, described the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She stated his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a summer program which he managed.
The man played a "sweet game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and request they to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge the man had played this game with the boys "over an extended period", and minors had previously fallen ill the next day.
She explained Ruben had been able to explain this over a long period as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had worries in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "In the summer" his stepchild had suspicions about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor stated items including baby oil, Vaseline and injection devices were discovered, and his family member contacted the law enforcement about his concerns.
She said Ruben went on to play the "sweet game" with six youngsters that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"The police had not arrived by that stage," she added.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, previously told that it was examining the police response of the situation.
The prosecutor stated the minors were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the stepson contacted the police once more.
She stated the man then conducted the "treat game" in a area of five children.
