The mayor of Naples, Florida, surrendered to authorities Monday, facing accusations of a probation violation. Teresa Heitmann, previously arrested for driving under the influence, maintained she offered no resistance as she was taken into custody.
The current situation stems from a February plea of no contest to a DUI charge. The initial arrest in August 2024 revealed a blood-alcohol content significantly above Florida’s legal limit, registering at 0.155 and 0.169.
Heitmann’s probation included strict conditions: complete abstinence from alcohol and mandatory, unannounced screenings. She stated she underwent a test on March 26th, the results of which she immediately challenged.
While the initial screening indicated a positive result, two subsequent tests – a urine analysis and a hair follicle test – came back negative. Heitmann proactively addressed the issue, choosing to confront the situation directly.
She attempted to voluntarily surrender on April 17th, anticipating the activation of a warrant based on the disputed initial test. However, she was informed the system wasn’t prepared to process her surrender at that time.
With the warrant now active, Heitmann turned herself in Monday, emphasizing her willingness to cooperate. “I did not resist,” she declared, “I did not hide.”
Heitmann expressed a firm resolve to defend her character and record of service, refusing to allow what she believes to be inaccurate information to define her. She intends to face the allegations head-on.
Court documents reportedly indicate the positive test was for cannabinoids, a claim disputed by her attorney, Derek Verderamo. He asserts that the two subsequent tests definitively showed no presence of illegal substances.
Verderamo maintains the evidence supports Heitmann’s innocence, highlighting the conflicting results of the screenings. The case now hinges on the interpretation of these tests and the validity of the initial finding.
