PORTLAND — A former Biddeford police officer is acknowledging having had sexual activity with a then-16 year-old male now accusing him of sexual abuse.

Biddeford native Matthew Lauzon has alleged abuse by retired officer Stephen Dodd.

In Thursday federal court filings, Dodd said the two met in an online chat-room in 2001 and engaged in sexual activity twice.

Dodd denied relying on his “power and authority” as an officer. He said Lauzon “took the lead” in the sex acts.

The Associated Press generally doesn’t identify alleged sexual abuse victims, but Lauzon’s attorney has said his client wanted his name to be public.

Lauzon has called on officials to strength sex crime investigations and support victims. An attorney general’s investigation concluded the evidence was insufficient to prove the allegations.