BIDDEFORD

A Biddeford native who accuses a former police officer of sexually abusing him more than a decade ago is taking his concerns to the governor.

The Portland Press Herald reports that Matthew Lauzon and state Sen. David Dutremble are scheduled to meet with Gov. Paul LePage this week to discuss concerns raised at a forum Dutremble held Saturday. During that forum, Lauzon and two others who said they also were abused by officers urged state officials to strengthen punishments of sex crimes, support victims and ensure that their allegations are thoroughly investigated.

Dutremble, a Biddeford Democrat, said he decided to hold the forum after seeing alleged victims and their supporters cut short at a City Council meeting. At the request of the council, he said he is exploring the possibility of eliminating a state law provision that prohibits officials from commenting on active investigations.

“I’m very disappointed. This is not the city I grew up in,” he said.

The Associated Press generally doesn’t identify alleged sexual abuse victims, but Lauzon’s attorney said his client wanted his name to be public. The attorney general’s office is investigating his allegations against the officer, who retired in 2013.