A person who spiked treats with sleeping medication and distributed them to youngsters at a summer program in the area has confessed to sexual crimes against two children who were between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight children and one adult fell ill at the location in July.
The 76-year-old, from that region, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at the courthouse on Friday.
Nevertheless, he denied one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was concerning a young boy.
The accused was held in detention ahead of a subsequent court date on late November.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, described Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She explained his those affected were under-privileged children who were staying at a summer camp which he ran.
Ruben played a "candy game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel said, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and request they to eat sweets "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had played this game with the boys "over an extended period", and minors had previously become sick the following morning.
She explained the man had been able to explain this for many years as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had worries in July 2025.
The legal representative added: "Recently" his stepson had worries about the situation, justifiably.
"They chose" to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor explained items including baby oil, ointment and medical needles were found, and his stepchild notified the police about his worries.
She explained Ruben continued to play the "sweet game" with six youngsters that night - that Saturday - and they were all ill the subsequent day.
"The police had not gone out by that stage," she stated further.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, had stated that it was reviewing the police response of the events.
The prosecutor explained the minors were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so the family member called the police once more.
She stated the defendant then engaged in the "sweet game" in a area of five youngsters.
