An individual who laced treats with sleeping medication and provided them to youngsters at a youth camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two young males aged nine and 10.
Jon Ruben was detained after eight children and one adult became sick at the facility in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from that region, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 charges when he was present at the courthouse on Friday.
However, he disputed one particular crime he was charged with, which was against a nine-year-old boy.
The defendant was held in detention ahead of a subsequent court date on 28 November.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, detailed the defendant's actions to the court.
She stated his those affected were under-privileged children who were attending a summer camp which he operated.
The defendant conducted a "treat game" with the minors, the legal counsel explained, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and request they to eat sweets "as quickly as they can".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had engaged in this activity with the children "repeatedly", and youngsters had previously become sick the following morning.
She explained Ruben had been capable of justifying this over a long period as the youngsters being "overwrought by enjoyment", until his stepson had suspicions in recently.
The legal representative stated further: "Recently" his family member had worries about the situation, with valid cause.
"They resolved" to have a look in the defendant's belongings."
The legal counsel said materials including lubricant, petroleum jelly and medical needles were located, and his family member notified the law enforcement about his concerns.
She said the defendant continued to conduct the "sweet game" with six boys that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the following morning.
"Authorities" had not responded by that stage," she added.
The police watchdog, the investigative body, earlier informed that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the events.
The prosecutor stated the youngsters were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so Ruben's stepson notified the police again.
She explained the man then engaged in the "treat game" in a space of five minors.
