(Omaha, Neb.) - Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert has urged a city council member to step down after he was named in a recently unsealed federal indictment. The indictment charges Vinny Palermo, along with two former Omaha police officers, with misuse of funds related to the Latino Peace Officer's Association and the Police Athletics for Community Engagement (PACE) program.
Stothert described the indictments as "tremendously concerning" and accused Palermo of violating the trust of citizens he was elected to represent.
"(Vinny Palermo) has violated the trust of the citizens he was elected to represent and damaged public confidence in the City Council," Stothert said in a statement. "A council member under federal indictment for numerous complaints relating to criminal conspiracy, fraud, and public corruption cannot be entrusted with spending taxpayer money, making decisions that impact public safety and the many other responsibilities that come with public office. We are concerned about potential conflicts of interest with votes cast by Councilman Palermo during the six years he has served on the Council. As the federal investigation continues, a review of his voting record may be necessary."
Mayor Stothert has criticized the actions of former Omaha police Captain Rich Gonzalez and former Omaha police officer Johnny Palermo, stating that their alleged actions outside their police duties do not represent the professionalism and integrity of the Omaha Police Department. Stothert acknowledged the serious implications of the federal indictments and stated that their actions would not affect the city's commitment to public safety.
Police Chief Todd Schmaderer expressed his shock at the contents of the federal indictments and thanked the FBI and US Attorney's Office for their thorough work.
Meanwhile, City Council President Pete Festersen assured the public that the Council would continue to conduct the city's business, and Councilmember Palermo would have the opportunity to avail himself of due process.
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