An individual who laced candy with tranquilliser and distributed them to minors at a youth camp in the region has admitted sexual crimes against two children aged nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight children and a grown-up became sick at the location in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from that region, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at the courthouse on the end of the week.
Yet, he denied a single sexual charge he was facing, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was held in detention ahead of a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, detailed the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She explained his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a summer program which he managed.
The man engaged in a "candy game" with the minors, the legal counsel said, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and request they to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She told the court the defendant had conducted this practice with the boys "repeatedly", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She said Ruben had been able to explain this repeatedly as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had suspicions in recently.
The legal representative continued: "Recently" his family member had concerns about the activities, for good reason.
"They decided to investigate in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel said materials including lubricant, petroleum jelly and injection devices were discovered, and his stepson contacted the police about his concerns.
She explained Ruben went on to engage in the "sweet game" with six children that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that stage," she continued.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, had stated that it was investigating the police response of the situation.
The legal representative explained the children were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the family member contacted the police again.
She said the defendant then engaged in the "candy game" in a area of five youngsters.
