Palermo back in federal court, plea deal apparently in the works

A former top Omaha city official is scheduled to appear in Lincoln federal court Friday apparently looking to change his original plea of not guilty.

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Former Omaha City Councilman Vinny Palermo, a Democrat, is facing federal fraud and corruption charges and some 20 years in prison, in a case involving three other men, including two former Omaha police officers.

The four are accused of ripping off two non-profits, the Latino Peace Officers Association and PACE, which works to keep inner city kids in sports and out of trouble.

In jail for the last three months and unable to attend City Council meetings violating a city attendance rule, Palermo was unanimously voted off the council earlier this month.

But not before at least one Councilman said his time with Palermo was helpful.

Omaha City Councilman Danny Begley, (D): “In serving with Mr. Palermo for two years, Councilman Palermo, I will just say that he was always helpful when I had an issue that I needed to discuss regarding constituents or city services. He was always helpful in making me a better Councilman, reaching out to constituents. It is evident by the charges and the challenges he's facing legally, I will just say that I will continue to pray for Vinny and his family as they go through this because it's a tough ordeal not only for the city and District 4 but also for their personal family, what they’re going through.”

It's not clear what Palermo's new plea will be or what conditions prosecutors might seek.