A person who contaminated treats with sleeping medication and gave them to children at a summer camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offences against two boys both nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight minors and an older person experienced illness at Stathern Lodge in July.
The senior citizen, from that region, admitted guilt to a series of 17 offences when he was present at the courthouse on Friday.
Nevertheless, he denied one particular crime he was facing, which was against a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was remanded in custody prior to a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Treat game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, described Ruben's offending to the court.
She said his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a summer camp which he operated.
The defendant engaged in a "sweet game" with the children, the legal counsel explained, in which he would enter the sleeping quarters when they were getting ready for bed and tell them to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She stated to the judge the man had engaged in this activity with the young males "repeatedly", and minors had earlier experienced illness the following morning.
She explained the defendant had been able to explain this repeatedly as the minors being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had concerns in July 2025.
The legal representative continued: "In the summer" his stepson had worries about what was going on, for good reason.
"They decided to investigate in the man's possessions."
The prosecutor explained materials including baby oil, petroleum jelly and medical needles were located, and his stepson contacted the law enforcement about his concerns.
She stated the man continued to conduct the "sweet game" with six children that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the subsequent day.
"Authorities" had not arrived by that stage," she added.
The regulatory agency, the investigative body, previously told that it was examining law enforcement's management of the incident.
The prosecutor said the minors were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so the stepson contacted the law enforcement a second time.
She explained the man then played the "treat game" in a room of five children.
