Person confesses to sexual offenses involving young males at summer camp

An individual who laced treats with tranquilliser and gave them to children at a youth camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two young males who were nine and ten years old.

The accused was detained after eight minors and one adult fell ill at the location in the summer month.

The 76-year-old, from that region, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he stood at the judicial center on recently.

However, he refused to admit one particular crime he was charged with, which was concerning a young boy.

Ruben was held in detention prior to a additional proceeding on November 28th.

'Sweet game'

The legal representative, handling the case, detailed the defendant's actions to the judicial body.

She said his those affected were under-privileged children who were participating in a youth camp which he managed.

The defendant conducted a "candy game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior stated, in which he would access the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and ask them to eat sweets "as fast as possible".

She informed the proceedings Ruben had conducted this practice with the young males "repeatedly", and minors had previously become sick the following morning.

She explained the man had been successful in rationalizing this over a long period as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had worries in July 2025.

The prosecutor stated further: "Recently" his stepchild had concerns about the activities, justifiably.

"They resolved" to examine in the individual's items."

The prosecutor stated items including baby oil, petroleum jelly and injection devices were located, and his stepchild notified the police about his concerns.

She said Ruben proceeded to conduct the "candy game" with six children that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the following morning.

"Authorities" had not responded by that stage," she stated further.

The police watchdog, the investigative body, previously told that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the events.

Mrs Prior stated the children were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so the stepson contacted the law enforcement again.

She said the man then conducted the "sweet game" in a room of five youngsters.