Man pleads guilty to sexual crimes involving young males at summer program

An individual who spiked treats with tranquilliser and provided them to children at a summer program in the area has admitted sexual offenses against two boys aged between nine and ten.

The defendant was taken into custody after eight youngsters and one adult experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in July.

The 76-year-old, from that region, confessed to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at the judicial center on recently.

Nevertheless, he denied one particular crime he was accused of, which was concerning a young boy.

Ruben was held in detention ahead of a subsequent court date on 28 November.

'Candy game'

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

She stated his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a summer program which he ran.

The man engaged in a "candy game" with the children, the legal counsel said, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and request they to eat sweets "as fast as possible".

She informed the proceedings the man had engaged in this activity with the children "over an extended period", and minors had earlier experienced illness the next day.

She explained the man had been capable of justifying this for many years as the children being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had worries in July 2025.

Mrs Prior KC added: "In the summer" his stepson had suspicions about the situation, with valid cause.

"They decided to examine in the defendant's belongings."

The prosecutor stated materials including baby oil, Vaseline and injection devices were located, and his stepchild alerted the law enforcement about his worries.

She said the man continued to play the "sweet game" with six children that time - that Saturday - and they were all sick the following morning.

"The police had not gone out by that time," she added.

The oversight body, the investigative body, previously told that it was reviewing the police response of the incident.

Mrs Prior stated the youngsters were struggling to walk due to being ill, so the family member contacted the authorities once more.

She explained the man then engaged in the "candy game" in a space of five children.