A person who spiked candy with tranquilliser and provided them to children at a summer program in the area has admitted sexual crimes against two young males aged between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight children and a grown-up fell ill at Stathern Lodge in the summer month.
The senior citizen, from that region, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at the judicial center on Friday.
Nevertheless, he denied one particular crime he was charged with, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was remanded in custody prior to a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, described the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She explained his targets were children from difficult backgrounds who were staying at a summer camp which he managed.
The defendant conducted a "treat game" with the minors, the prosecutor said, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to ingest treats "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge the man had engaged in this activity with the young males "repeatedly", and youngsters had previously fallen ill the next day.
She explained the man had been capable of justifying this for many years as the minors being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had concerns in summer 2025.
Mrs Prior KC stated further: "Recently" his stepson had worries about the activities, justifiably.
"They decided to investigate in the man's possessions."
Mrs Prior KC explained objects including lubricant, ointment and syringes were found, and his stepchild contacted the law enforcement about his worries.
She explained Ruben proceeded to conduct the "treat game" with six children that time - that Saturday - and they were all sick the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not responded by that stage," she added.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was examining law enforcement's management of the situation.
The prosecutor stated the minors were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so the stepson contacted the law enforcement a second time.
She stated Ruben then conducted the "candy game" in a area of five children.
