Outgoing Gov. Paul LePage has pardoned former House District 53 Rep. Jeff Pierce, R-Dresden, for a felony drug conviction 35 years ago, according to a press release from the governor's office.

According to a Maine Public news report, Pierce had used firearms to hunt, subsequently, and has said he did not realize it was illegal for him to own or use firearms since his conviction. He appealed to LePage for clemency, and was notified Jan. 1 that LePage signed the pardon the last week of December.

Pierce was convicted of selling cocaine and marijuana to an undercover police officer, according to court documents.

Pierce, a two-term legislator, lost narrowly to Allison Hepler, D-Woolwich, in the 2018 election.