A person who spiked candy with tranquilliser and provided them to youngsters at a youth camp in the region has admitted sexual crimes against two boys who were between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight children and an older person fell ill at the facility in July.
The elderly man, from that region, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he stood at the courthouse on recently.
Yet, he disputed one particular crime he was charged with, which was involving a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was held in detention before a further hearing on late November.
'Treat game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, outlined the defendant's actions to the court.
She explained his victims were under-privileged children who were staying at a summer program which he operated.
Ruben played a "candy game" with the minors, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and request they to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings Ruben had conducted this practice with the young males "repeatedly", and minors had previously fallen ill the following morning.
She said the man had been able to explain this repeatedly as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had worries in recently.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "In the summer" his family member had worries about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to have a look in the man's possessions."
The legal counsel said objects including baby oil, ointment and medical needles were found, and his family member notified the law enforcement about his worries.
She explained Ruben went on to play the "candy game" with six youngsters that night - that Saturday - and they were all ill the next day.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that time," she stated further.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was reviewing the police response of the incident.
Mrs Prior said the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the stepson called the police again.
She explained the defendant then played the "candy game" in a room of five minors.
