BANGOR — Michael C. Pierce, 33, of Augusta, pleaded guilty Wednesday in federal court to illegal distribution of oxycodone for selling 37 pills on May 9, 2012, a day after he allegedly robbed a CVS pharmacy in Augusta.

The transaction occurred near Interstate 95 in West Gardiner. The deal was recorded by a confidential informant and involved an undercover agent, according to the government’s version of events, filed by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew McCormack.

That document, filed in U.S. District Court in Bangor, says the pills were purchased from Jennifer Dowling, who was also charged in state court with illegal possession of oxycodone and hydrocodone.

Pierce was driving the vehicle Dowling was riding in, McCormack says.

Judge John A. Woodcock asked Pierce a series of questions before accepting the guilty plea.

Pierce told the judge he graduated from high school, wanted a court-appointed attorney and understood his rights. Pierce, who is being held in state custody, wore a blue, short-sleeved jail uniform over a white undershirt. His ankles were shackled. His partially bald head was almost completely shaved.

Pierce is charged in the May 8, 2012, robbery of a CVS pharmacy on Stone Street in Augusta and a June 18, 2012, robbery of CVS pharmacy on Capitol Street, also in Augusta.

In both cases, the robber wore a fake beard and wig and demanded oxycodone from the pharmacist.

A codefendant in the June 18, 2012, robbery, Jeffrey D. Hodgkins, died April 19, 2013.

Potential penalties in the federal case include up to 20 years in prison and a lifetime of supervised release.

Pierce has been in jail since his arrest on the robbery charges on June 19, 2012.

The judge said a pre-sentencing investigation will be conducted before he sentences Pierce on the drug charges.

Betty Adams — 621-5631
badams@centralmaine.com

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