A recently sworn in Lewiston City Council member faced a judge Wednesday morning.
Iman Osman was indicted on one count of receiving stolen property and one count of theft by unauthorized taking of a gun shortly after he was elected. Osman pleaded not guilty during his first appearance in Lewiston District Court.
A different lawyer from the one at Monday’s swearing-in ceremony represented Osman on Wednesday in the courtroom. According to the court clerk, he is represented by Allan Labozzo’s law firm.
In addition to this legal controversy, Osman is under scrutiny for his legal address.
His legal address on Blake Street in Lewiston is a building that’s been condemned since last fall.
The council voted 6-1 on Monday to hire an independent investigator who will look into Osman’s qualifications to serve on the City Council, specifically related to his residency.
According to the city charter, the council has the authority to judge the qualifications of any of its members.
If a councilor is charged with lacking the necessary qualifications to serve, that member is entitled to a hearing.
The Lewiston mayor has already called for Osman to resign.
It’s unclear how long the investigation could take, but the council requested a complete report in time for the next meeting on Jan. 20.
Osman’s next court appearance is March 9.
