An individual who laced candy with sedative and distributed them to children at a summer camp in the area has admitted sexual offences against two boys both nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight youngsters and one adult fell ill at Stathern Lodge in July.
The senior citizen, from that region, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at the judicial center on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he denied one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was concerning a young boy.
The defendant was held in detention ahead of a further hearing on November 28th.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, described Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She stated his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a summer program which he operated.
The man played a "candy game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor explained, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and tell them to ingest treats "rapidly".
She stated to the judge the man had engaged in this activity with the children "over an extended period", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She said the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had concerns in summer 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "In the summer" his stepson had concerns about the activities, justifiably.
"They chose" to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC said items including infant oil, ointment and medical needles were found, and his stepson contacted the law enforcement about his concerns.
She explained Ruben proceeded to play the "sweet game" with six boys that night - July 26th - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"The police had not gone out by that stage," she stated further.
The oversight body, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was reviewing the police response of the events.
Mrs Prior stated the children were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so Ruben's stepson notified the law enforcement once more.
She stated the defendant then engaged in the "sweet game" in a area of five children.
