A man who laced treats with sleeping medication and provided them to children at a summer camp in the area has admitted sexual offences against two young males who were between nine and ten.
The defendant was arrested after eight minors and one adult became sick at the location in July.
The elderly man, from that region, pleaded guilty to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at the courthouse on recently.
Nevertheless, he denied a single sexual charge he was facing, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
The accused was held in detention prior to a further hearing on late November.
'Candy game'
Mary Prior KC, presenting evidence, detailed the criminal behavior to the court.
She explained his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were participating in a youth camp which he managed.
The defendant conducted a "candy game" with the minors, the prosecutor stated, in which he would access the sleeping quarters when they were preparing to sleep and tell them to consume candy "as fast as possible".
She informed the proceedings the defendant had conducted this practice with the boys "over an extended period", and children had earlier experienced illness the next day.
She said the defendant had been successful in rationalizing this repeatedly as the children being "overstimulated by activities", until his stepson had worries in recently.
The legal representative continued: "This year his stepchild had suspicions about the situation, with valid cause.
"They decided to have a look in the individual's items."
Mrs Prior KC explained items including baby oil, Vaseline and medical needles were located, and his stepchild alerted the authorities about his suspicions.
She stated the defendant proceeded to play the "treat game" with six boys that evening - Saturday 26 July - and they were all sick the subsequent day.
"Law enforcement" had not gone out by that point," she stated further.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, earlier informed that it was reviewing law enforcement's management of the incident.
The prosecutor stated the children were struggling to walk due to their condition, so the family member contacted the police again.
She said the man then played the "treat game" in a area of five minors.
