Federal agents served a search warrant at the house of an Omaha city council member Tuesday.FBI Omaha served search warrants at the residence of Vinny Palermo and a building owned by Police Athletics for Community Engagement near 39th and X. PACE is a nonprofit organization outside of city government, heavily funded by city council and other grants.Johnny Palermo is one of two Omaha police officers who were placed on paid administrative leave, according to Omaha police Chief Todd Schmaderer. Palermo and Officer Daniel Torres will be subject to an internal investigation.Schmaderer said in a statement Tuesday that he was made aware of the FBI investigation from its onset and is aware of the search warrants. “A small group of OPD detectives have been assisting with the FBI lead investigation. The confidentiality of the federal investigation was of paramount importance and only a few OPD commanders are aware of said investigation,” Schmaderer said in a statement. “I am concerned that PACE may have been used for criminal activity. Heightening my concern is the possibility that a few current and former Omaha Police officers may be involved. Criminal impropriety and conduct unbecoming will not be tolerated.”Schmaderer also said the police department would continue to assist the FBI in their investigation while thanking federal officials and the US Attorney’s office.Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert said in a statement Tuesday that she’s “shocked and beyond disappointed” to learn the PACE organization is being investigated.”Until the conclusion of the investigation, all city financial support to PACE is suspended. PACE is a non-profit organization and is not affiliated with the city of Omaha. The Omaha Police Department believes strongly in community engagement,” Stothert said.Stothert said Omaha can be confident in Schmaderer, adding that officers will be “held accountable.””Regarding Councilmember Palermo, and the Omaha Police Officers placed on administrative leave, we hold our public officials to a high standard,” Stothert said.PACE was founded in 2005 by the Latino Peace Officer’s Association to get “at-risk” youth involved in sports and off the streets. PACE said it has impacted thousands of lives and has had a direct impact in lowering youth violence in Omaha.By phone Monday, a PACE representative said the investigation did not involve PACE. Reports Tuesday by the FBI refute that claim.Phone calls to Vinny Palermo’s cell went straight to voicemail. Of note, Vinny Palermo was sentenced to probation, pay a fine, and serve community service in 2019 for failing to file tax returns. While it appears that has no connection to the current case, in 2019, when asked about his status on the council amid the conviction, Palermo said he would not step down telling KETV NewsWatch 7 “No, not at all.”
Federal agents served a search warrant at the house of an Omaha city council member Tuesday.
FBI Omaha served search warrants at the residence of Vinny Palermo and a building owned by Police Athletics for Community Engagement near 39th and X. PACE is a nonprofit organization outside of city government, heavily funded by city council and other grants.
Johnny Palermo is one of two Omaha police officers who were placed on paid administrative leave, according to Omaha police Chief Todd Schmaderer. Palermo and Officer Daniel Torres will be subject to an internal investigation.
Schmaderer said in a statement Tuesday that he was made aware of the FBI investigation from its onset and is aware of the search warrants.
“A small group of OPD detectives have been assisting with the FBI lead investigation. The confidentiality of the federal investigation was of paramount importance and only a few OPD commanders are aware of said investigation,” Schmaderer said in a statement. “I am concerned that PACE may have been used for criminal activity. Heightening my concern is the possibility that a few current and former Omaha Police officers may be involved. Criminal impropriety and conduct unbecoming will not be tolerated.”
Schmaderer also said the police department would continue to assist the FBI in their investigation while thanking federal officials and the US Attorney’s office.
Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert said in a statement Tuesday that she’s “shocked and beyond disappointed” to learn the PACE organization is being investigated.
“Until the conclusion of the investigation, all city financial support to PACE is suspended. PACE is a non-profit organization and is not affiliated with the city of Omaha. The Omaha Police Department believes strongly in community engagement,” Stothert said.
Stothert said Omaha can be confident in Schmaderer, adding that officers will be “held accountable.”
“Regarding Councilmember Palermo, and the Omaha Police Officers placed on administrative leave, we hold our public officials to a high standard,” Stothert said.
PACE was founded in 2005 by the Latino Peace Officer’s Association to get “at-risk” youth involved in sports and off the streets. PACE said it has impacted thousands of lives and has had a direct impact in lowering youth violence in Omaha.
By phone Monday, a PACE representative said the investigation did not involve PACE. Reports Tuesday by the FBI refute that claim.
Phone calls to Vinny Palermo’s cell went straight to voicemail.
Of note, Vinny Palermo was sentenced to probation, pay a fine, and serve community service in 2019 for failing to file tax returns. While it appears that has no connection to the current case, in 2019, when asked about his status on the council amid the conviction, Palermo said he would not step down telling KETV NewsWatch 7 “No, not at all.”
