Iman Osman was sworn in as a Lewiston City Councilor last week, a moment shadowed by serious criminal accusations and an ongoing investigation. Despite facing felony charges, the Somali migrant and community leader took the oath of office, immediately thrusting the city into a complex and controversial situation.
The charges center around allegations of stolen property, specifically firearms taken from two separate estates between November 2023 and October 2024. Court documents detail accusations that Osman knowingly received, retained, and disposed of these stolen weapons, claims he vehemently denies.
The controversy didn’t end with the criminal allegations. Questions arose regarding Osman’s residency, further complicating his position. He listed an address on Blake Street, a property that had been officially condemned months prior due to a drug raid and the use of chemicals intended to render it uninhabitable.
Initially, Osman resisted calls for his resignation, but a shift occurred. He penned a letter to the Lewiston Mayor and City Council President, announcing his decision to step down. He described the choice as difficult, but ultimately necessary for the good of the community.
In his resignation letter, Osman expressed hope that his departure would serve as a catalyst for reflection on the values of respect, inclusivity, and kindness within public service. He also reaffirmed his commitment to the city’s progress, stating his intention to continue advocating for positive change.
Osman’s arraignment in Lewiston District Court occurred just days before his resignation. The indictment detailed specific accusations of unlawfully controlling firearms belonging to the second estate, adding another layer to the legal challenges he faced.
The Lewiston School Committee declined to investigate the residency concerns, despite the implications for Osman’s eligibility and the potential violation of his bail conditions. This decision added to the growing sense of unease surrounding the situation.
The revelation that Osman had listed the condemned property as his address on court documents appeared to be a critical turning point. It likely contributed to his ultimate decision to resign, acknowledging the untenable position he found himself in.
