A man who contaminated sweets with sleeping medication and provided them to children at a summer program in the area has admitted sexual offenses against two children who were nine and ten years old.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight youngsters and an older person fell ill at Stathern Lodge in mid-summer.
The elderly man, from that region, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at the courthouse on Friday.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was facing, which was concerning a nine-year-old child.
The accused was remanded in custody prior to a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, described the defendant's actions to the court.
She said his those affected were children from difficult backgrounds who were attending a summer program which he managed.
Ruben engaged in a "sweet game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor explained, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to ingest treats "rapidly".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had conducted this practice with the children "for many years", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She explained the man had been successful in rationalizing this for many years as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had suspicions in July 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "Recently" his stepchild had concerns about the activities, justifiably.
"They resolved" to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC explained items including infant oil, ointment and syringes were discovered, and his family member alerted the authorities about his concerns.
She said the defendant went on to play the "treat game" with six boys that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"The police had not arrived by that point," she added.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, previously told that it was reviewing the police response of the events.
The legal representative explained the youngsters were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so the family member notified the law enforcement once more.
She explained Ruben then engaged in the "candy game" in a room of five children.
