GreenDog18 - 2:52 pm on Jun 7, 2012 (gmt 0)

I understand you think that is the problem. But, IMO Google is not "penalizing" you for having those links. They are simply devaluing those links (which may appear like a penalty.) and also will cause your rankings to drop.

SO once you delete the links there will be no penalty to be lifted and you will not see any noticeable difference in your SERPS.