A man who spiked sweets with tranquilliser and distributed them to minors at a youth camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two boys both nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight youngsters and an older person experienced illness at the location in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from that region, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at the courthouse on recently.
Nevertheless, he denied one particular crime he was facing, which was against a young boy.
The defendant was held in detention ahead of a further hearing on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, handling the case, detailed the defendant's actions to the court.
She explained his those affected were under-privileged children who were staying at a summer program which he ran.
The man played a "treat game" with the minors, 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 quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had played this game with the children "over an extended period", and minors had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She said Ruben had been capable of justifying this for many years as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had suspicions in recently.
Mrs Prior KC added: "This year his family member had concerns about the situation, for good reason.
"They resolved" to examine in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor said objects including infant oil, Vaseline and medical needles were discovered, and his family member notified the police about his concerns.
She explained the man went on to engage in the "sweet game" with six youngsters that night - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"The police had not arrived by that time," she continued.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the events.
The prosecutor said the children were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so the stepson notified the police a second time.
She said the defendant then played the "treat game" in a space of five minors.
