An individual who contaminated treats with tranquilliser and gave them to children at a summer program in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against two boys aged between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight youngsters and one adult fell ill at Stathern Lodge in July.
The senior citizen, from that region, confessed to a total of 17 charges when he was present at the courthouse on Friday.
However, he denied a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was involving a nine-year-old child.
Ruben was kept in jail ahead of a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Candy game'
The legal representative, presenting evidence, described the criminal behavior to the judicial body.
She explained his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a youth camp which he ran.
The defendant conducted a "sweet game" with the children, the legal counsel stated, 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 "over an extended period", and minors had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She explained Ruben had been able to explain this over a long period as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepchild had suspicions in recently.
The prosecutor stated further: "Recently" his stepchild had worries about what was going on, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to examine in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC said materials including infant oil, Vaseline and injection devices were located, and his stepchild notified the authorities about his concerns.
She explained the man went on to conduct the "treat game" with six boys that night - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the following morning.
"The police had not responded by that stage," she continued.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, previously told that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the situation.
Mrs Prior explained the children were having difficulty walking due to being ill, so the family member called the police again.
She said the man then engaged in the "sweet game" in a room of five children.
