Arrested and indicted on a variety of federal charges, Omaha City Council Vice-President Vinny Palermo, a Democrat, has so far refused to resign—which now finds three fellow council members looking to at least strip him of his “VP” title.

The three are Republicans Brinker Harding, Aimee Melton, and Don Rowe who are calling for the no-VP vote at tomorrow’s regular weekly meeting.

According to the indictment, Palermo is accused of taking kickbacks along with charges of bank fraud and wire fraud.

All in all, Palermo is facing nine counts, some part of an alleged scheme that misused funds from PACE, an Omaha non-profit aimed at keeping inner city kids in athletics and out of trouble.

Three years ago, he pleaded guilty to federal charges that he failed to file income tax returns for three straight years.

Despite all that and Mayor Jean Stothert’s call for Palermo to “resign immediately,” the City Attorney says the grand jury indictment “does not affect” Palermo’s ability to remain on the council.

But Harding, Melton and Rowe want something to give:

Harding: “Vinny Palermo has violated the public’s trust again. In my opinion he should resign from Omaha’s City Council. But for the limitations of Omaha’s Charter the body may not have the ability to remove him altogether. At the very least he should not hold the position of Vice President. The pattern of his past actions and these new allegations of criminal conspiracy and public corruption is concerning.”

Melton: “It concerns me, as it should all of Omaha, that Vinny faces these serious charges. The citizens of District 4 and all of Omaha deserve to be represented and advocated for on all city matters. Mr. Palermo can no longer be an effective or dependable representative.”

Rowe: “Councilmember Palermo cannot be trusted to be in a position to make decisions that impact awarding city contracts, public safety or any expenditures of taxpayer dollars. Nor should he be able to be acting Mayor in the absence of the Mayor and Council President.”

Prosecutors alleging that Palermo was captured on a federal wiretap saying, “Somebody f---ing ratted,” and was clearly concerned that FBI agents “dig and they dig…they unravel everything to see where the f---ing money’s going.”

The kickback cases find prosecutors arguing that Palermo sold his city hall office… twice. Once to get his truck paid off, and his business' rent paid. The second time to get a deal on his backyard pool deck.

If convicted Palermo’s time in office would be in jeopardy.

Council members face removal if absent from Council meetings:

  • For three consecutive months, unless excused by the Council.
  • For six consecutive months, excused or not.

If Palermo resigns, the remaining council members will vote on his replacement.

NCN has tried to reach Palermo for comment, but he has not responded. If convicted, he is facing a maximum 90 years in federal prison and fines totaling $1.75 million.