A man who spiked treats with tranquilliser and distributed them to children at a summer camp in the region has admitted sexual offenses against two young males aged nine and 10.
The accused was detained after eight minors and one adult experienced illness at the facility in July.
The 76-year-old, from that region, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he was present at the courthouse on the end of the week.
Yet, he denied one particular crime he was facing, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was kept in jail ahead of a further hearing on 28 November.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, detailed the defendant's actions to the court.
She said his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a summer camp which he operated.
The defendant played a "sweet game" with the minors, the prosecutor said, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and request they to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She told the court the man had played this game with the boys "over an extended period", and children had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She explained the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had suspicions in recently.
The legal representative stated further: "This year his stepchild had suspicions about the situation, for good reason.
"They decided to examine in the defendant's belongings."
The prosecutor stated items including infant oil, ointment and injection devices were located, and his stepson alerted the police about his worries.
She explained the defendant went on to conduct the "candy game" with six boys that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the following morning.
"The police had not responded by that time," she added.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, had stated that it was examining the police response of the situation.
The prosecutor explained the children were struggling to walk due to their sickness, so the family member notified the police once more.
She stated the defendant then played the "sweet game" in a area of five minors.
