Newly Sworn-In Maine City Councilman from Somalia RESIGNS Amid Fraud Scandal & Indictment

Well, that was quick.

Less than 72 hours after being sworn in, Lewiston City Councilor Imam Osman has resigned.

Osman’s resignation comes amid a wave of legal issues.

Last month, the Somali migrant was indicted by a grand jury on gun theft charges.

His nonprofit organization is also the subject of a separate fraud investigation.

In addition, he is facing scrutiny over his residency.

This clip explained further:

🚨 BREAKING: Somali migrant Maine Councilman Iman Osman RESIGNS after being implicated in a fraud investigation, blames "racism"

He was just sworn in days ago. He also faces charges for theft of a firearm.

GOOD RIDDANCE. Now DEPORT him! pic.twitter.com/qeSXphe1fh

— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) January 9, 2026

Osman insists that he is not guilty of any of the allegations he is facing.

Instead, he’s blaming “racist opposition.”

Local news outlet WMTW has more on Osman’s resignation from city council:

“This decision has not come lightly; it stems from my unwavering commitment to the very community I have dedicated my entire life to serving,” Osman said in his resignation letter.

Osman, who served on the Lewiston School Committee for a year, won the Nov. 4, 2025, election for the Ward 5 City Council seat against incumbent Councilor Eryn M. Soule-Leclair by 35 votes, according to the city’s municipal election results.

In his resignation letter, Osman claimed he faced “racist opposition” during his campaign for City Council and “vicious personal attacks” during his time in public office.

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“Public service today is fraught with harassment, intimidation and hostility,” Osman said in the letter. “These tactics deter individuals with genuine intentions from stepping forward to contribute positively to our city.”

On Dec. 1, 2025, Osman was indicted by an Androscoggin County grand jury on charges of receiving stolen property and theft by unauthorized taking. According to the court documents obtained by McCusker, the charges are connected to firearms or explosive devices obtained from two different estates between Nov. 15, 2023, and Oct. 11, 2024.

Osman was arraigned in Lewiston District Court on Wednesday. He has denied all criminal charges against him.

“For the betterment of our community and in the best interest of our city, I believe it is time for me to step aside. 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,” Osman said. “I am grateful for the support I have received from my family and friends, my community and my constituents during my time in public office. I remain committed to our city’s progress and will continue to advocate for positive change in Lewiston.”

“On behalf of the city, I want to thank Councilor Osman for choosing to step aside,” Sheline said in a statement. “This choice is in the best interest of the city as we have important work ahead of us. This decision allows city leadership to remain centered on the priorities that lie ahead. I appreciate Councilor Osman for making this decision, and I believe it allows us to turn the page and move forward.”

After Osman was sworn into office Monday night, the Lewiston City Council voted 6-1 for Osman to be investigated. The independent investigation would have focused on answering questions surrounding Osman’s residency. Osman was the only one to vote against the investigation.

Osman’s residency was the subject of public scrutiny. In the indictment against Osman, his address is listed as 210 Blake St. in Lewiston. The Blake Street address has been condemned since October 2024 due to a chemical “used as a deterrent for humans in the recent drug raid,” among other problems.

In addition to the gun charges he is facing, a report recently came out implicating his nonprofit in a massive fraud scheme.

NewsNation reported:

A Lewiston City Council member in Maine resigned less than 24 hours after a NewsNation investigation revealed his nonprofit was among dozens that received money raised for mass shooting victims despite donors being told 100% of funds would go to survivors and families.

Iman Osman, a Somali refugee who heads the Lewiston Auburn Youth Network, stepped down from the council position he had just won this week. His organization received $65,000 from the fund established after the October 2023 shooting that killed 18 people…

NewsNation reported Wednesday that $1.9 million raised for shooting victims was distributed to 29 nonprofits instead, including nine immigrant-focused organizations and at least seven with Somali ties. Victims and family members said they were repeatedly promised all donations would go directly to them.

Jennifer Zanca, who was shot twice during the attack, said the revelation didn’t upset her until she faced a $93,000 hospital bill she couldn’t cover.

“It didn’t really hit me and really upset me until I was in a position with a $93,000 hospital bill that I couldn’t cover,” Zanca said.

Amy Sussman, whose nephew was killed in the shooting, has been investigating the fund’s distribution and said the nonprofits received twice as much as Zanca.

“They raised money for nonprofits on the backs of 18 people who were murdered, 13 people who were shot, and 136 people who escaped their attempted murder,” Sussman said. “They used that to raise money for nonprofits.”

Former Maine Gov. Paul LePage compared the situation to fraud scandals in Minnesota involving Somali-linked organizations.

“In Minnesota, they’re stealing from the taxpayers. In Maine, they’re stealing from the taxpayers and victims of a massacre,” LePage said.

Yikes.

Hold him accountable to the fullest extent of the law.

Accountability isn’t “racism.” Fraud is fraud. Theft is theft.
Good riddance. Enforce the law. Deport. 🇺🇸

— American Citizen 🇺🇸 (@realtalkstruth) January 9, 2026

Gov. Tim Walz should follow in this guy’s footsteps and resign…

Your thoughts?