MALONE — The director of a program that mentors at-risk youths was fired Tuesday following his arrest on charges of public lewdness.
Darren M. Dumas, 26, was arrested at 2:45 a.m. Sunday, along with Timothy Cooley, 21, of Malone, said Malone Village Police.
Both were found wearing no pants with their genitals exposed while parked in a vehicle on Cherry Street, police said.
“Dumas was really embarrassed,” said Police Chief Chris Premo, “but Cooley said this should have been allowed because it’s acceptable in Miami.”
They were released and are to appear Aug. 28 in Town Court. Public lewdness is a misdemeanor charge.
Dumas was director of the Youth Advocacy Program, according to the agency’s regional director, Casey Lane. He declined to provide any information beyond the fact of the firing, citing personnel reasons.
The agency, which has a national presence, contracts with the Franklin County Department of Social Services to provide mentors for disadvantaged kids who have either been abused, neglected or deemed a juvenile delinquent or person in need of supervision.
The child’s family also receives services to enhance the youth’s chances of success in the program.
Social Service Commissioner Lesley Lyon said her office takes administration of this contract “very seriously” and closely monitors the child’s activities, progress and successes.
“We were very disappointed to learn of the recent personnel problems with the YAP program, but we want to publicly acknowledge that YAP has taken the appropriate steps to ensure that the program remains a model for positive behavior for our most vulnerable and at-risk kids,” she said.
“Both Social Services and YAP are committed to the safety and well-being of the population we serve and recognize the need to set an exemplary example for positive teen behavior,” Lyon said.
‘“We have every confidence in the YAP program’s continued ability to provide excellent services, and we applaud them for taking difficult but necessary action in this recent situation.”
Email Denise A. Raymo: draymo@pressrepublican.com
