An individual who laced candy with sleeping medication and gave them to youngsters at a youth camp in the area has admitted sexual offences against two boys aged between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight youngsters and an older person fell ill at Stathern Lodge in July.
The elderly man, from that region, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at the judicial center on the end of the week.
However, he refused to admit one of the sexual offences he was charged with, which was concerning a young boy.
Ruben was remanded in custody prior to a additional proceeding on 28 November.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, presenting evidence, detailed the defendant's actions to the court.
She stated his targets were under-privileged children who were staying at a summer camp which he managed.
The defendant engaged in a "candy game" with the minors, the prosecutor stated, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings the man had conducted this practice with the young males "for many years", and children had previously become sick the subsequent day.
She said the defendant had been capable of justifying this for many years as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepchild had worries in July 2025.
The legal representative added: "This year his stepchild had worries about the activities, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel said items including lubricant, Vaseline and medical needles were located, and his stepson contacted the authorities about his concerns.
She stated the defendant proceeded to conduct the "candy game" with six children that night - that Saturday - and they were all sick the next day.
"Authorities" had not gone out by that point," she continued.
The oversight body, the police conduct office, previously told that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the events.
The prosecutor stated the children were unable to walk properly due to their sickness, so the family member contacted the law enforcement a second time.
She stated Ruben then engaged in the "sweet game" in a space of five minors.
