Saturday, April 25, 2026
Privacy-First Edition
Back to NNN
Politics

Florida mayor says she 'did not resist' arrest over alleged probation violation from DUI case

Video Fox News Flash top headlines for April 24 Fox News Flash top headlines are here. Check out what's clicking on FoxNews.com.

A Florida mayor who was taken into custody Monday for allegedly violating her probation — stemming from an earlier DUI case — said she "did not resist" when she surrendered to authorities.

Naples Mayor Teresa Heitmann was arrested by the Collier County Sheriff's Office on a warrant issued for an alleged probation violation.

In February, she pleaded no contest to one count of DUI with a blood-alcohol content of 0.15 or higher, stemming from an Aug. 28, 2024, arrest.

Her probation sentence included a promise not to consume alcohol and a requirement that she be subject to random screenings. In a Thursday statement on Facebook, Heitmann said she was screened on March 26.

DEM REP MCIVER EXPECTED TO MAKE FIRST COURT APPEARANCE AFTER NEWARK INCIDENT

Naples Mayor Teresa Heitmann was arrested on a DUI charge on Aug. 28, 2024. Heitmann was arrested Monday for an alleged probation violation stemming from her August 2024 arrest. (Naples Police Department)

"The test returned a result I disputed immediately," she wrote.

Two subsequent screens — a urine test and a hair follicle analysis — returned negative results, Heitmann said. She noted that she "did not wait to be asked. I acted."

Upon learning that she would be arrested, Heitmann said she attempted to voluntarily surrender to authorities on April 17, based on the earlier disputed test result. However, she said she was told "the system was not yet ready to process my surrender."

She turned herself in Monday after her warrant became active.

FLORIDA WOMAN ARRESTED FOR AMBUSH MURDER IN KILLING OF DEPUTY, CLAIMED SHE WORKED FOR GOD

Naples Mayor Teresa Heitmann completes a field sobriety test in Naples, Fla. (Naples Police Department)

"I did not resist," Heitmann wrote. "I did not hide. I showed up — because that is what I have always done. I will not shrink from this moment, and I will not allow a false story to define my character or my record of service."

Court documents cited by the Naples Daily News alleged Heitmann tested positive for cannabinoids.

Her attorney, Derek Verderamo, argued that two samples collected from Heitmann tested negative on March 26 and March 30 for illegal cannabinoids.

Heitmann was apprehended in the 500 block of 16th Avenue South in Naples. (Google Maps)

Fox News has reached out to the city government for comment, as well as Verderamo.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

Heitmann was originally arrested in August 2024, after breathalyzer tests determined that she had a blood-alcohol content of 0.155 and 0.169; the legal limit in Florida is 0.08.

Louis Casiano is a reporter for Fox News Digital. Story tips can be sent to louis.casiano@fox.com.

The hottest stories ripped from the headlines, from crime to courts, legal and scandal.

By entering your email and clicking the Subscribe button, you agree to the Fox News Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, and agree to receive content and promotional communications from Fox News. You understand that you can opt-out at any time.

You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter!

Read original at Fox News

The Perspectives

0 verified voices · Three viewpoints · Real discourse

Left
0
Be the first to share a left perspective
Center
0
Be the first to share a center perspective
Right
0
Be the first to share a right perspective

Related Stories