Maine City Council Investigates Newly Sworn Lawmaker
The Lewiston City Council has decided to investigate a recently sworn-in lawmaker amid criminal allegations, including claims of providing a false home address.
Iman Osman, 36, took the oath of office on Monday, and that same day, the council voted to open an inquiry into his background.
Osman, who is connected to the Somali refugee community, was charged with gun theft last December. He’s accused of knowingly receiving, storing, or disposing of stolen firearms. Additionally, he faces allegations of fraud by illegally obtaining firearms and explosives belonging to someone else. These charges stem from incidents occurring between November 2023 and October 2024.
Moreover, it has been reported that Osman might have falsely claimed a condemned multi-tenant property owned by his brother as his residence to secure a mayoral appointment to the Lewiston School Committee and later to run for the City Council’s Ward 5. This building has been condemned since October 2024 due to the presence of harmful chemicals discovered during a drug investigation.
Critics have raised concerns about Osman’s eligibility to represent the district, claiming he doesn’t reside there.
The mayor had previously appointed Osman to fill a vacancy on the Lewiston School Committee, and he was officially elected on December 17, 2024, with a term concluding in mid-December 2025.
Following the revelation of criminal charges, Mayor Carl Cherine has suggested that Osman should consider resigning. He expressed that while Osman is presumed innocent, the ongoing judicial process poses a distraction to governance.
After winning the municipal elections, Osman was sworn in but not long after, the council members voted—6-1—to initiate an investigation into his residency, with Osman being the sole dissenting vote.
John Featherston, a reporter, noted that it seems “obvious” Osman is being dishonest about his living situation, further emphasizing that his listed address has links to a federal drug bust. He highlighted Osman’s upcoming court appearance in connection with the firearms theft charges.
Osman’s lawyer, Keenan Majerus-Collins, insisted that his client denies any wrongdoing regarding the charges. He expressed disappointment over the city’s decision to prolong this matter, which he believes hinders Osman’s ability to fulfill his elected duties.
Council President David Chittim mentioned that once the investigation is concluded—expected by the end of the month—the council will determine whether to hold a public hearing on Osman’s position.
“I want to resolve this issue for the city of Lewiston and the council,” he remarked.
