A man who spiked treats with sedative and gave them to minors at a youth camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two boys both nine and ten years old.
Jon Ruben 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 series of 17 offences when he stood at the courthouse on Friday.
Nevertheless, he denied one particular crime he was facing, which was concerning a young boy.
Ruben was kept in jail before a additional proceeding on November 28th.
'Sweet game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, described the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She explained his targets were under-privileged children who were participating in a summer camp which he operated.
The defendant engaged in a "candy game" with the minors, Mrs Prior said, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and ask them to eat sweets "rapidly".
She stated to the judge Ruben had conducted this practice with the boys "over an extended period", and children had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She stated the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had concerns in recently.
The legal representative continued: "Recently" his stepson had worries about the situation, for good reason.
"They resolved" to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel stated items including lubricant, Vaseline and medical needles were found, and his stepchild notified the law enforcement about his concerns.
She stated the man continued to play the "treat game" with six boys that night - that Saturday - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"The police had not responded by that time," she added.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, had stated that it was examining the police response of the events.
The prosecutor explained the children were struggling to walk due to being ill, so the family member notified the law enforcement again.
She said Ruben then conducted the "sweet game" in a room of five children.
