Former state representative Jeffrey Pierce of Dresden, scheduled to be arraigned on three charges of falsifying information on hunting license applications, failed to appear in court March 14. Pierce’s answer to the charges had been sent to the District Attorney’s office, but neither the court clerk nor the assistant district attorney had the documents in the file.

A bench warrant was issued for Pierce’s arrest, with a no-third-party cash bail set at $500. It was rescinded once the paperwork was delivered to the court.

Gov. Paul LePage pardoned Pierce against the recommendation of his executive clemency board in the wake of the 2018 election, after media reports that Pierce hunted with firearms in violation of the law forbidding felons from owning guns. However, the falsifying information charges, Class E misdemeanors, arose after the pardon, and would not have been included.

Attorney Sam Cohen said his son, Phillip Cohen, is acting for Pierce in this matter.

Pierce served in House District 53 for two terms. He lost in November to Allison Hepler, D-Woolwich.

This article has been updated from its original posting.