Man confesses to sex offences against young males at summer camp
A person who spiked treats with sleeping medication and gave them to children at a summer program in the region has admitted sexual crimes against two young males both nine and 10.
The accused was taken into custody after eight children and a grown-up became sick at the location in July.
The senior citizen, from that region, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he stood at the judicial center on Friday.
Nevertheless, he disputed one particular crime he was facing, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was kept in jail ahead of a additional proceeding on late November.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, outlined the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She explained his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a summer camp which he managed.
The man engaged in a "sweet game" with the children, the legal counsel explained, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to ingest treats "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had conducted this practice with the boys "repeatedly", and children had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She explained the man had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had suspicions in summer 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "Recently" his stepchild had suspicions about the activities, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to have a look in the individual's items."
The legal counsel stated items including baby oil, ointment and medical needles were located, and his stepson contacted the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She said Ruben went on to conduct the "candy game" with six youngsters that time - that Saturday - and they were all ill the next day.
"The police had not gone out by that time," she stated further.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was reviewing the police response of the situation.
The legal representative said the minors were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the family member called the law enforcement once more.
She stated the defendant then conducted the "treat game" in a area of five children.