A man who laced treats with tranquilliser and provided them to minors at a youth camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two young males both nine and ten years old.
Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight children and an older person experienced illness at the location in mid-summer.
The senior citizen, from that region, pleaded guilty to a series of 17 offences when he was present at the courthouse on the end of the week.
Yet, he disputed one particular crime he was facing, which was concerning a young boy.
The defendant was held in detention before a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, outlined Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She explained his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a summer program which he managed.
The defendant engaged in a "treat game" with the children, the prosecutor explained, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and tell them to ingest treats "rapidly".
She told the court Ruben had played this game with the boys "for many years", and minors had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She stated the defendant had been able to explain this over a long period as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had concerns in recently.
Mrs Prior KC added: "This year his stepson had concerns about the situation, justifiably.
"They decided to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel explained materials including lubricant, ointment and medical needles were found, and his stepchild notified the police about his worries.
She explained Ruben went on to conduct the "candy game" with six youngsters that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were all ill the following morning.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that point," she stated further.
The oversight body, the investigative body, had stated that it was examining the police response of the incident.
The legal representative explained the youngsters were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so the stepson notified the authorities once more.
She explained the defendant then played the "sweet game" in a room of five youngsters.
