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An individual who contaminated candy with tranquilliser and provided them to youngsters at a summer program in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two children who were nine and ten years old.

Jon Ruben was taken into custody after eight children and an older person became sick at Stathern Lodge in July.

The elderly man, from that region, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he stood at the courthouse on recently.

However, he disputed a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.

The defendant was held in detention prior to a additional proceeding on 28 November.

'Candy game'

The legal representative, presenting evidence, outlined the criminal behavior to the court.

She said his victims were under-privileged children who were staying at a summer camp which he ran.

The man played a "candy game" with the minors, the legal counsel explained, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were preparing to sleep and request they to consume candy "as fast as possible".

She told the court Ruben had engaged in this activity with the children "for many years", and minors had previously fallen ill the next day.

She stated the defendant had been able to explain this for many years as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his family member had suspicions in July 2025.

The legal representative stated further: "In the summer" his stepson had suspicions about the activities, justifiably.

"They resolved" to have a look in the defendant's belongings."

The legal counsel explained materials including lubricant, ointment and injection devices were discovered, and his family member alerted the police about his concerns.

She stated Ruben continued to conduct the "sweet game" with six youngsters that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.

"The police had not responded by that time," she stated further.

The oversight body, the investigative body, previously told that it was investigating law enforcement's management of the situation.

The legal representative stated the minors were struggling to walk due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson called the law enforcement again.

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