A former Omaha City Councilman, facing some 20 years in prison has pleaded guilty in exchange for prosecutors recommending less than two years behind bars.

It's all part of a lengthy federal investigation that involves politics, police and corruption.

[View our full video report above]

Randy Paragas, Palermo’s Attorney: “Mr. Palermo is holding up as best as can be expected. He’s got a lot of remorse.”

Ousted from City Hall, former Omaha City Councilman Vinny Palermo, facing nine federal fraud, conspiracy, and corruption charges pleaded guilty today to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud; prosecutors recommending he serve from 18-21 months in prison.

The plea deal, not a done deal until sentencing in November.

Joe Jordan, NCN: “Do you see him flipping in this case?"

Paragas: “Flipping?”

Joe Jordan: “Testifying against the others?”

Paragas: “Do I see that, I don't know, I don't know."

Palermo the first of four defendants in the case to admit to what the judge called a scheme, helping two of the three others, former Omaha police officers Rich Gonzalez and Johnny Palermo get their hands on turnback tax money and fireworks permits for the Latino Peace Officers Association and PACE, which works to keep inner city kids in sports and out of trouble.

In return Palermo, according to the plea deal, received “personal and financial benefits, to include airfare, luxury hotel accommodations, travel arrangements, and other items of value.”

Paragas: “The government was alleging, and Mr. Palermo has pleaded to, that there was some type of agreement that he would vote in favor of the benefits to those organizations in exchange for trips and that sort of thing."

Joe Jordan: "Mr. Paragas is it your understanding that the investigation is now for all intents and purposes done?”

Paragas: “That’s not my understanding.”

Joe Jordan: “You think it's still going?"

Paragas: “I can’t comment on that.”

Still in jail, Palermo is expected to ask next week that he be allowed out until his sentencing, which is set for November 16.