MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. – A federal jury has convicted Javier Mares, 44, of Bradenton, on multiple charges, including possession with intent to distribute cocaine and 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possession of a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon.
Mares faces a minimum of 15 years and up to life in federal prison, with sentencing yet to be scheduled, according to U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg.
READ: Florida Highway Patrol: 890 Traffic Stops In Multi-County Operation On US-19
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Bradenton Police Department began investigating Mares and his brother in 2023, suspecting that Mares was supplying large quantities of narcotics from his auto shop in Bradenton.
A confidential informant was used to conduct controlled purchases of fentanyl and methamphetamine from Mares’ brother, who was observed leaving the auto shop to complete the transactions and returning afterward.
On June 27, 2023, law enforcement executed a search warrant at the auto shop. Mares and a juvenile were present at the time.
Inside the office, investigators discovered a safe containing packaged methamphetamine, cocaine, and marijuana, along with drug distribution paraphernalia. Mares’ fingerprint was found on a bag containing 380 grams of methamphetamine with a purity of 96%. A loaded firearm was located in a desk drawer near the safe, alongside collectible $2 bills.
READ: Florida Lottery Shuts Down Unauthorized Online Ticket Service To Protect Players
During an interview, Mares admitted that the office was his but denied knowledge of the safe, claiming he had no key or code to access it. He acknowledged ownership of the $2 bills found in the desk drawer but denied ever seeing the firearm located next to them.
This case was the result of a collaborative investigation by the DEA, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Bradenton Police Department, and the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Shauna S. Hale is prosecuting the case.
Mares now awaits sentencing, where he faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years in federal prison.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.