An individual who laced treats with sleeping medication and gave them to youngsters at a summer program in the region has admitted sexual crimes against two young males aged nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight youngsters and an older person experienced illness at the facility in the summer month.
The 76-year-old, from that region, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he stood at the courthouse on recently.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was against a young boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody before a further hearing on late November.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, prosecuting, described the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She explained his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a youth camp which he ran.
The defendant conducted a "sweet game" with the children, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and request they to eat sweets "as fast as possible".
She told the court the defendant had played this game with the young males "repeatedly", and youngsters had previously become sick the following morning.
She said Ruben had been capable of justifying this for many years as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had concerns in recently.
The prosecutor stated further: "In the summer" his stepson had worries about the activities, justifiably.
"They decided to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel said items including lubricant, ointment and medical needles were discovered, and his family member contacted the authorities about his worries.
She stated the man proceeded to engage in the "candy game" with six children that evening - that Saturday - and they were all sick the following morning.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that stage," she stated further.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was examining law enforcement's management of the situation.
Mrs Prior explained the children were unable to walk properly due to being ill, so the family member contacted the police again.
She explained the defendant then conducted the "treat game" in a space of five children.
