A man who spiked treats with sedative and gave them to minors at a youth camp in the region has confessed to sexual offences against two boys who were nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight youngsters and an older person fell ill at the facility in mid-summer.
The senior citizen, from that region, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he stood at the judicial center on Friday.
However, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was concerning a young boy.
The accused was remanded in custody ahead of a further hearing on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, outlined the criminal behavior to the court.
She stated his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a summer program which he managed.
The defendant conducted a "treat game" with the youngsters, the legal counsel stated, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and request they to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge Ruben had engaged in this activity with the young males "repeatedly", and children had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She said Ruben had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had concerns in recently.
The prosecutor continued: "This year his family member had worries about the activities, for good reason.
"They chose" to investigate in the individual's items."
The prosecutor explained items including infant oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were located, and his stepson alerted the law enforcement about his worries.
She stated the man went on to engage in the "candy game" with six children that time - July 26th - and they were all ill the next day.
"The police had not arrived by that point," she added.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, had stated that it was examining law enforcement's management of the situation.
The legal representative said the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson contacted the police again.
She explained the defendant then engaged in the "treat game" in a area of five minors.
