WATERVILLE (AP) – The Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland demonstrated that its crackdown on sex abuse isn’t limited to priests as it removed a longtime church organist following an investigation into an incident 35 years ago.

Toni Breton of Waterville was suspended when the accusation surfaced in March, and she was dismissed Friday after Bishop Richard Malone validated the claim.

The Diocese of Portland announced the findings to parishioners Saturday at Notre Dame Catholic Church, where Breton worked. Breton could not be reached for comment.

The incident in which Breton allegedly had sexual contact with a minor was not connected to her work for the parish, church officials said.

But that didn’t matter. Church employees and volunteers are subject to removal if they’re found to have abused minors or vulnerable adults, even outside their parish duties, said Sue Bernard, spokeswoman for the diocese.

The church turned its findings over to the Waterville Police Department, which is standard procedure after sexual misconduct investigations. Similar church rulings have not resulted in criminal prosecution in Maine.