AUGUSTA — Democratic gubernatorial candidate Hannah Pingree’s campaign has returned $300 in contributions to an attorney who once worked for convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

The contributions to her campaign from Paul Hoffman, first reported by the Portland Press Herald, came in over the spring.

“When Paul Hoffman’s background and contribution was brought to our attention, we immediately refunded his $300 in full,” Pingree spokesman Mary-Erin Casale said in a statement.

Hoffman handled business and corporate dealings for Epstein and was based in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. 

Pingree faces Republican Bobby Charles and independent Rick Bennett in the Nov. 3 race for governor.

She holds a wide lead in fundraising, bringing in more than $4.3 million since she entered the race, which includes more than $2 million since winning a competitive primary in June.

According to state campaign finance reports, Charles has raised $1.8 million and Bennett has raised just under $927,000.