A Bradenton man faces at least 15 years in prison after a jury convicted him of using his Bradenton auto body shop as a front for drug trafficking, federal prosecutors announced.
Javier Mares, 44, was found guilty of possession with intent to distribute cocaine and 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking and possession of a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon, according to a news release.
Mares faces a minimum of 15 years and up to life in federal prison.
A sentencing hearing has not yet been scheduled.
The charges stem from a 2023 investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Bradenton Police Department after prosecutors say law enforcement suspected Mares of using his auto body shop in Bradenton as a front to distribute large quantities of narcotics.
Investigators say they dispatched a confidential informant to make several purchases of fentanyl and methamphetamine from Mares’ brother, who was observed traveling to and from the auto shop during transactions.