Andrew Gillum tests negative for drugs following Alabama arrest as he preps to clear his name
TheGrio...
The former Florida gubernatorial candidate’s arrest on drug charges earlier this month sparked a widespread moment of compassion from those who know him, his former constituents in Tallahassee and beyond.
Former Florida gubernatorial candidate Andrew Gillum tested negative for drugs after signing up for a drug testing program.
Per court documents obtained by TMZ, Gillum volunteered for the drug testing program following his arrest earlier this month in Alabama on drug paraphernalia and possession charges. He took the mandated tests, and shortly after, the results came back clean.
On July 2, Gillum was arrested after police were called to a disturbance outside of a convenience store, where they allege he was driving erratically. He was found with three grams of methamphetamine, pre-rolled marijuana joints and other drug-related items. He was booked on charges of felony possession of a controlled substance, misdemeanor possession of marijuana for personal use and possession of drug paraphernalia. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Gillium’s lawyers asked the judge in his case for a hearing as to whether he will have to take part in a drug treatment program, given his clean drug test. The request was granted and Gillum is due back in court on that matter on August 4.
Following news of Gillum’s arrest, the community rallied behind the ex-gubernatorial candidate and former mayor of Tallahassee, who came within less than 35,000 votes of ascending to the highest office in Florida, with many offering prayer and hope that Gillum and his family were OK.
“Addiction is a wound, not an identity. A battle, not a verdict,” New Birth Tabernacle of Praise pastor Rudy Ferguson, Sr., who presides over the church in Tallahassee, wrote on Facebook, citing the strongly held belief that one who battles and deals with addiction can continue to add to society. “God is still in the healing business. Restoration is our assignment. Compassion is our calling. Prayer is our posture.”