Lewiston councilor resigns amid criminal charges, residency issues

(The Center Square) — A Lewiston City Councilor has reigned just days after being sworn into office as the first Somali-American man elected to the city’s governing board amid criminal charges and questions about his residency.

In a Thursday letter to fellow Lewiston city councilors, Iman Osman said he has decided to step down from office “immediately” as he fights his indictment on firearm theft charges and allegations that he lied about his residency.

“For the betterment of our community and in the best interest of our city, I believe it is time for me to step aside,” he wrote in the letter. “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 he wanted to run for the city Council to help represent the city where he has lived since a teenager, but instead has “faced vicious personal attacks that not only target me but also seek to sil...