Naples mayor challenges drug test results after second arrest

NAPLES, Fla. —

Naples Mayor Teresa Heitmann is defending herself after being arrested for the second time, following a positive drug test for cannabinoids, which are found in marijuana products.

Heitmann, who is on probation after pleading no contest to a DUI in 2024, claims she has proof she did not use any form of marijuana. The arrest warrant states Heitmann tested positive for cannabinoids on March 26. In response, Heitmann said, "Without delay I obtained two additional tests—a urine test and a hair follicle analysis—which both returned negative results." She also stated, "The narrative being circulated is inaccurate and incomplete."

Cannabis expert Dr. Barry Gordon of the Compassionate Cannabis Clinic explained that it is possible to test positive for THC or cannabis use without directly consuming it.

"Absolutely! There is a secondhand smoke exposure from cannabis, absolutely," Gordon said. He added, "If you're in an enclosed space with cannabis smoke, yeah, you have a chance of testing positive."

When asked if the initial test could have been flawed, Gordon said, "I always hesitate to say any one specific test tells the whole story. Tests can always be wrong. They can be wrong in how they were obtained, sometimes they're processed wrong."

Republican political consultant Terry Miller and others have called for Heitmann to resign. "Her doubling down and fighting takes away from her ability to represent the constituents she was elected to represent," Miller said. He added, "It's probably time to step away."

Scott Lepore, chair of Naples Better Government, has asked the governor to remove Heitmann from office.

"The reason I called the governor is because I think enough is enough," Lepore said, referring to her 2024 DUI arrest.

Heitmann, however, remains resolute, stating, "I will not shrink from this moment. I trust the legal process will bring the truth to light."

The Naples City Council is expected to meet on May 6, when the mayor may address the situation. Gulf Coast News reported that Heitmann has declined requests for an interview.

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