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An individual who contaminated candy with sleeping medication and distributed them to youngsters at a summer camp in the area has admitted sexual crimes against two young males who were between nine and ten.

The defendant was taken into custody after eight minors and one adult fell ill at the location in July.

The elderly man, from that region, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at the judicial center on the end of the week.

Nevertheless, he disputed a single sexual charge he was facing, which was involving a young boy.

Ruben was remanded in custody prior to a further hearing on late November.

'Treat game'

The legal representative, handling the case, described the defendant's actions to the judicial body.

She stated his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a summer camp which he ran.

Ruben conducted a "treat game" with the minors, the legal counsel said, in which he would go into the boys' rooms when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to consume candy "rapidly".

She told the court the man had conducted this practice with the young males "for many years", and minors had previously fallen ill the following morning.

She said the man had been able to explain this over a long period as the minors being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had concerns in recently.

Mrs Prior KC stated further: "In the summer" his stepson had concerns about the activities, with valid cause.

"They decided to examine in the individual's items."

The prosecutor explained objects including lubricant, ointment and injection devices were found, and his family member contacted the authorities about his concerns.

She said Ruben continued to conduct the "treat game" with six youngsters that night - July 26th - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.

"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that stage," she stated further.

The regulatory agency, the investigative body, had stated that it was investigating the police response of the situation.

Mrs Prior explained the children were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so the stepson notified the authorities again.

She explained the defendant then played the "candy game" in a room of five children.