Individual confesses to sexual crimes targeting boys at summer program

A person who laced treats with sedative and provided them to minors at a youth camp in the area has admitted sexual offences against two young males who were nine and 10.

The accused was taken into custody after eight children and an older person fell ill at Stathern Lodge in July.

The 76-year-old, from that region, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he appeared at the courthouse on recently.

However, he disputed one of the sexual offences he was accused of, which was involving a young boy.

The accused was kept in jail before a additional proceeding on 28 November.

'Candy game'

The legal representative, presenting evidence, outlined 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 conducted a "treat game" with the youngsters, the prosecutor explained, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".

She told the court Ruben had played this game with the boys "repeatedly", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the following morning.

She explained the defendant had been able to explain this for many years as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his stepson had worries in July 2025.

The prosecutor added: "In the summer" his family member had concerns about what was going on, for good reason.

"They decided to have a look in the man's possessions."

Mrs Prior KC stated materials including infant oil, Vaseline and medical needles were discovered, and his stepson alerted the law enforcement about his concerns.

She said Ruben proceeded to engage in the "treat game" with six children that time - July 26th - and they were all ill the subsequent day.

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

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

Mrs Prior explained the minors were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the family member contacted the police once more.

She said Ruben then conducted the "sweet game" in a room of five minors.