An individual who spiked treats with sleeping medication and distributed them to children at a youth camp in the region has admitted sexual offenses against two children both nine and ten years old.
The accused was detained after eight minors and an older person experienced illness at the location in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from that region, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at the judicial center on Friday.
Yet, he denied one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was remanded in custody before a further hearing on 28 November.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, described Ruben's offending to the judicial body.
She stated his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a summer program which he ran.
The defendant conducted a "candy game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel explained, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and ask them to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge the man had played this game with the young males "repeatedly", and children had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She stated Ruben had been able to explain this over a long period as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had worries in recently.
The legal representative continued: "This year his family member had suspicions about the situation, with valid cause.
"They chose" to investigate in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC explained objects including baby oil, ointment and injection devices were found, and his family member notified the police about his concerns.
She said Ruben proceeded to conduct the "candy game" with six youngsters that time - that Saturday - and they were all ill the next day.
"The police had not arrived by that stage," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was investigating the police response of the situation.
The legal representative explained the children were struggling to walk due to being ill, so the family member notified the police once more.
She stated the man then conducted the "sweet game" in a space of five minors.
