Iman Osman resigned from his Ward 5 City Council seat in Lewiston, Maine, following felony theft charges and criticism over his residency in the district where he served. (Iman Osman / Facebook)
Osman pleaded not guilty at his arraignment in Lewiston District Court on Tuesday, Maine Public reported.
Osman also faced scrutiny over his residence, which was listed in the indictment as an address that has been condemned since October 2024, according to the reports.
A heart is adhered to the Lewiston sign at Veterans Memorial Park in Lewiston, Maine, on Nov. 1, 2023. (Craig F. Walker/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)
Osman's attorney Kiernan Majerus-Collins told WMTW that he believes the national rhetoric about the Somali community sparked an increase in the backlash against Osman.
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"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 that ultimately forced him to conclude that he could no longer serve in public office at this time," he said.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/somali-maine-city-councilor-resigns-days-after-taking-office-after-felony-charge-residency-questions