ARLINGTON, Texas — The National Independent Automobile Dealers Association announced it has received an official notice from its president, Andy Gabler, dated Jan. 31, resigning his post effective immediately.

In accordance with NIADA bylaws, Henry Mullinax of Mullinax Auto Sales in Oxford, Ala., has been named president of NIADA and will immediately begin serving the unexpired term vacated by Gabler.

Gabler said only that his decision was “necessary and in the best interests of me, my family, and the association.”

Gabler is the owner of Lakeside Auto, which operates three dealerships in Western Pennsylvania’s Erie County. All three rooftops and Gabler’s home were searched as part of an FBI raid Wednesday. Gabler told a local news team his business had “financial difficulties,” according to YourErie.com, but declined to comment further. GoErie.com reports Gabler’s group is in receivership following a request from S&T Bank, which appears to be Lakeside’s floorplan financier.