Man confesses to sex offences targeting children at summer program
A man who contaminated treats with sedative and provided them to minors at a summer program in the region has admitted sexual offences against two children who were nine and ten years old.
The accused was detained after eight youngsters and one adult fell ill at Stathern Lodge in July.
The 76-year-old, from that region, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at the judicial center on Friday.
Yet, he denied a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was against a young boy.
Ruben was kept in jail before a further hearing on November 28th.
'Treat game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, outlined Ruben's offending to the court.
She stated his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a youth camp which he operated.
Ruben played a "sweet game" with the children, the prosecutor explained, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to consume candy "rapidly".
She stated to the judge Ruben had played this game with the boys "over an extended period", and minors had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She explained Ruben had been capable of justifying this for many years as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had worries in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC continued: "This year his stepchild had concerns about the activities, with valid cause.
"They chose" to have a look in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC explained items including lubricant, ointment and syringes were discovered, and his family member notified the authorities about his worries.
She explained the man continued to conduct the "candy game" with six boys that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that stage," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, previously told that it was investigating the police response of the incident.
The prosecutor stated the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson called the law enforcement once more.
She explained Ruben then conducted the "candy game" in a space of five minors.
