A person who laced sweets with sleeping medication and distributed them to youngsters at a summer camp in the region has confessed to sexual crimes against two young males aged nine and ten years old.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight minors and one adult fell ill at the location in July.
The senior citizen, from that region, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he was present at the judicial center on recently.
However, he refused to admit one particular crime he was facing, which was against a nine-year-old child.
The accused was kept in jail prior to a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, described the criminal behavior to the court.
She explained his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a summer program which he operated.
The defendant engaged in a "candy game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor said, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and ask them to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge the man had conducted this practice with the boys "over an extended period", and youngsters had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She stated Ruben had been able to explain this over a long period as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his stepchild had worries in summer 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "In the summer" his stepchild had worries about the activities, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to examine in the individual's items."
The legal counsel stated materials including lubricant, Vaseline and syringes were found, and his stepchild contacted the law enforcement about his suspicions.
She explained the defendant proceeded to play the "sweet game" with six children that time - that Saturday - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that stage," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the events.
The prosecutor explained the minors were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson notified the law enforcement once more.
She said the defendant then played the "candy game" in a room of five children.
