BUFFALO, NY - A well-known community activist, who worked with at-risk kids in Buffalo has been removed from his positions with two local organizations.
Buffalo Peacemakers say Dwayne Ferguson violated organization rules and MAD DADS Buffalo say Ferguson was allegedly involved in inappropriate behavior.
Ferguson has been a community activist in Buffalo for years -- often times found encouraging teens to stay away from gangs. 2 On Your Side has learned Ferguson was removed last month from his positions as a member of Buffalo Peacemakers and president of the Buffalo chapter of MAD DADS -- the organization has offices across the country and works in communities to strengthen relationships between fathers and at-risk youth.
Ferguson caught headlines a couple years ago, when he brought a gun onto the grounds of the Harvey Austin School in Buffalo. Ferguson, who worked at the school as an after-school counselor, caused the school to go into lockdown.
Ferguson was charged with criminal possession of a weapon. He immediately apologized and was sentenced to community service.
Buffalo Peacemakers say Ferguson was suspended from the organization for the incident.
Pastor James Giles, the leader of Peacemakers, who declined an on-camera interview, tells 2 On Your Side's Jeff Preval, that Ferguson broke protocol, after a recent incident occurred, but Giles says he can't elaborate about what happened. Giles tells Preval that the past suspension and the latest incident, led to Ferguson's dismissal from Peacemakers.
2 On Your Side has obtained letters -- dated last month -- one addressed to Ferguson from MAD DADS national office in Minneapolis. The other letter, from MAD DADS in Buffalo. This letter specifically addressed to donors of the organization says "do NOT under any circumstances continue to donate to or support Dwayne Ferguson," with regard to MAD DADS.
The organization has received city, county and state funding.
The letter also reads:
"Upon a meticulous investigation conducted by National MAD DADS on April 2 and 3, 2016 it has been determined that inappropriate conduct, misbehavior and transactions have taken place solely by Dwayne A. Ferguson actions [...] He is no longer a part of MAD DADS of Greater Buffalo."
MAD DADS officials say in May Ferguson was officially voted out of the organization by its board members.
2 On Your Side spoke briefly by phone to Ferguson. He confirmed he's no longer with the organizations and said his dismissal is all a misunderstanding and other than that he would have no comment. The national office of MAD DADS says its Buffalo chapter is currently being restructured and that it could take several weeks to make the transition.