A newly elected city councilor in Lewiston, Maine, stepped down just days into his term amid a felony indictment and questions about whether he met residency requirements for the seat. Local reports confirmed the resignation came as investigations intensified at both the judicial and municipal levels.
Iman Osman, a Somali immigrant elected to the Lewiston City Council, submitted a resignation letter to Mayor Carl Sheline and City Council President David Chittim. “For the betterment of our community and in the best interest of our city, I believe it is time for me to step aside,” Osman wrote. “I hope my resignation serves as a call to action for those who remain — an opportunity to reflect on the values of respect, inclusivity and kindness that should guide our public service.”
The resignation followed a Dec. 1 grand jury indictment charging Osman with felony theft involving two firearms allegedly taken between Nov. 15, 2023, and Oct. 11, 2024. Osman pleaded not guilty during his arraignment Tuesday in Lewiston District Court, according to Maine Public.
Osman also faced scrutiny over his listed residence, which court documents reportedly identified as an address condemned since October 2024. On Monday, the Lewiston City Council voted 6-1 to launch an investigation into his residency status. Osman cast the lone vote opposing the inquiry.
In his resignation letter, Osman claimed he encountered “racist opposition” during his campaign and endured “vicious personal attacks” while in office. His attorney, Kiernan Majerus-Collins, echoed that claim, saying, “The fact that the Trump administration is targeting Somali and Somali Americans across the country, absolutely played a role in ginning up the kind of hatred and threats of violence.”
City officials have not commented further on next steps to fill the vacant council seat.
