Person pleads guilty to sex offences targeting boys at summer camp
A man who laced candy with tranquilliser and provided them to youngsters at a summer camp in the area has confessed to sexual offences against two boys both nine and 10.
The defendant was detained after eight minors and an older person fell ill at the facility in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from that region, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at the courthouse on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he denied one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was against a young boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody ahead of a further hearing on 28 November.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, outlined the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She said his targets were under-privileged children who were attending a summer program which he ran.
Ruben conducted a "candy game" with the children, the prosecutor said, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings the man had conducted this practice with the boys "for many years", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.
She explained the man had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had suspicions in recently.
The legal representative added: "Recently" his stepchild had suspicions about the activities, with valid cause.
"They decided to examine in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC explained items including lubricant, ointment and medical needles were found, and his stepson alerted the law enforcement about his worries.
She stated Ruben went on to play the "candy game" with six youngsters that time - that Saturday - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that stage," she continued.
The police watchdog, the police conduct office, previously told that it was examining the police response of the incident.
The prosecutor explained the minors were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the stepson notified the law enforcement again.
She said Ruben then engaged in the "treat game" in a space of five minors.
