by ABC-7 Reporter/Anchor Ken Molestina

LAS CRUCES, N.M. -- It's a program aimed at getting kids off the streets and away from drugs. But now Las Cruces Mayor Ken Miyagishima is saying "not so fast."

The program is called the Drug-Free Marshall Program, and it was quite a hit until the mayor found out it was sponsored by the Church of Scientology.

Miyagishima said he was originally approached about the program in the summer. He said he liked the purpose and tried it in five different schools with the intention to later offer it to all third-graders in the district.

Then he noticed what some of the program material said.

"It says the name of Drug Free Marshall is registered to the Church of Scientology," the mayor said.

That was enough for Miyagishima to yank the program and take back pamphlets and material passed out.

He said the reason is because he cannot implement any program where there is a conflict of church and sate.

That is a creed that is drawing in mixed opinions from others.

"I think if it were any kind of church, they would have a problem with it. They would be hesitant just because of the name 'church'," said one Las Crucen.

Despite the difference in many people's thoughts, Miyagishima said one thing is for sure: church and state shouldn't mix, and he is apologetic he allowed it to happen in the first place.

"I just let my guard down, and I took it for granted. That's why I messed up, and I should have asked who funds it," he said.

Miyagishima said when he first asked about where the funding was coming from he was simply told it was from a private anti-drug advocate.