The Biddeford City Council will meet next week to hear comments on sexual abuse allegations against two former police officers.

The meeting, scheduled for May 19, was prompted by a petition circulated by a resident concerned about the response of city officials to the allegations. It will come two weeks after a City Council meeting erupted in chaos as residents demanded the police chief and deputy police chief be removed from office as the Maine Attorney General’s Office investigates sex abuse allegations made against retired police officer Stephen Dodd.

Mellisa Luedke, a supporter of the alleged victims, circulated the petition under a city charter provision that allows residents to compel the City Council to meet if the petition is signed by 100 registered voters. Luedke submitted to the city clerk 172 signatures; 132 signatures were certified as belonging to registered voters.

Supporters of alleged victims say they are frustrated that they haven’t been able to speak freely and that Police Chief Roger Beaupre has not been suspended. They have called for his suspension during two emotional council meetings and a forum hosted by a state senator within the past month.

The meeting will be held 5 to 7 p.m. May 19 in council chambers on the second floor of City Hall. John Alfano, who works as a mediator, will facilitate the meeting. That forum will be followed at 7 p.m. by the regularly scheduled City Council meeting.

City officials say the purpose of the meeting is to listen to concerns from residents. The council will not take any action that evening.

Gillian Graham can be contacted at 791-6315 or at:

ggraham@pressherald.com

Twitter: grahamgillian


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