As a federal criminal investigation apparently swirls around him, Omaha City Council Vice President Vinny Palermo isn't talking.

The FBI confirming that it has served a search warrant at Palermo's South Omaha home, along with the home of an Omaha police officer, one of two officers now facing an "internal investigation" by the department.

See our complete video report above and check back for a complete transcript. 

 

TRANSCRIPT:

A federal investigation apparently involving one top Omaha City official turned the start of Tuesday’s City Council meeting, into a game of musical chairs,

City Clerk: “Can we get a motion to elect a temporary chair.”

In part because one Councilman was nowhere to be seen.

City Clerk: “Palermo is absent…”

That’s City Council Vice President Vinny Palermo, whose South Omaha home, was the scene of a federal search warrant early Tuesday, according to the FBI.

Also searched, another South Omaha home near 45th and Harrison, owned according to county records, by Johnny Palermo, an Omaha Police Officer.

Omaha Police tell us that Palermo, apparently no relation to Councilman Palermo, is now on administrative leave, along with fellow officer Daniel Torres, as both officers are facing an “internal investigation.”

A third search warrant was served here, the South Omaha headquarters of PACE, a non-profit designed to get at-risk kids into sports and away from crime.

Police Chief Todd Schmaderer releasing a statement noting he’s “Concerned that PACE may have been used for criminal activity.”

Mayor Jean Stothert says, “Regarding Councilmember Palermo, and the Omaha Police Officers placed on administrative leave, we hold our public officials to a high standard.” 

Palermo, who has not been available for comment, is no stranger to federal investigations.

Almost three years ago to the day (Dec. 18, 2019) he was sentenced to four years federal probation, for failing to file federal income tax returns in 2012, ’13, and ’14.

When that probe first broke Palermo was also reluctant to talk.

(2019) Palermo: “I’ll refer any questions to my attorney…”

Joe Jordan, News Channel Nebraska: Do you think saying nothing is the answer?” (Palermo did not reply).

Currently, with the Mayor and City Council President out of town, Palermo is the city’s acting mayor.