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An individual who laced sweets with sedative and gave them to children at a summer program in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two young males aged between nine and ten.

The defendant was arrested after eight children and an older person became sick at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.

The senior citizen, from that region, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at the courthouse on recently.

However, he denied a single sexual charge he was facing, which was involving a nine-year-old child.

Ruben was held in detention prior to a subsequent court date on late November.

'Sweet game'

The prosecutor, prosecuting, detailed the criminal behavior to the judicial body.

She stated his victims were children from difficult backgrounds who were participating in a summer program which he managed.

The defendant conducted a "sweet game" with the children, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and request they to eat sweets "as fast as possible".

She stated to the judge the man had engaged in this activity with the children "for many years", and minors had previously fallen ill the subsequent day.

She explained the man had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had worries in summer 2025.

The legal representative stated further: "Recently" his family member had suspicions about the activities, justifiably.

"They decided to investigate in the defendant's belongings."

Mrs Prior KC stated materials including baby oil, Vaseline and syringes were located, and his stepchild notified the police about his concerns.

She stated Ruben proceeded to play the "sweet game" with six boys that evening - that Saturday - and they were all ill the subsequent day.

"Law enforcement" had not responded by that point," she stated further.

The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was examining law enforcement's management of the situation.

Mrs Prior said the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the stepson called the law enforcement again.

She explained Ruben then engaged in the "sweet game" in a room of five minors.