INDIANAPOLIS (AP): Former Gov. Mitch Daniels says his decision to pardon the nephew of an old friend was a difficult one but that he made the right choice.

Reports say Anthony Nefouse pleaded guilty in 1997 to a felony charge of conspiracy to deal in cocaine. He received a 12-year suspended sentence with six years of probation.

He has never committed another crime but sought the pardon because the felony conviction limited his career and volunteer options.

Nefouse is the nephew of a Daniels high school classmate. His uncle contributed $13,000 to Daniels' campaigns.

Daniels granted the pardon in December. It was one of 62 pardons he granted during his eight years as governor but one of only three involving selling drugs.