An individual who contaminated candy with tranquilliser and gave them to minors at a youth camp in the region has admitted sexual offences against two boys aged between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight youngsters and one adult experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from that region, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he was present at the judicial center on recently.
However, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was involving a young boy.
The defendant was kept in jail before a additional proceeding on late November.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, outlined the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings.
She stated his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a summer program which he managed.
The man engaged in a "treat game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor explained, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and request they to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings the man had conducted this practice with the young males "for many years", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She explained the man had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his stepchild had concerns in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC added: "In the summer" his stepson had concerns about the situation, for good reason.
"They chose" to examine in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor stated materials including lubricant, Vaseline and medical needles were discovered, and his family member contacted the police about his suspicions.
She said the defendant proceeded to conduct the "sweet game" with six youngsters that time - that Saturday - and they were all ill the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that point," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, previously told that it was investigating the police response of the incident.
Mrs Prior said the children were struggling to walk due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson contacted the law enforcement a second time.
She said Ruben then conducted the "candy game" in a area of five youngsters.
