FORT WALTON BEACH — A house parent at Children in Crisis has been arrested and charged with molesting a girl under his care.

According to a report issued by the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, 59-year-old Michael Joseph Hellen is charged with lewd or lascivious molestation of a victim 12 years or older but under 16.

A sheriff’s deputy responded to the non-profit facility at 1000 Luke’s Way that houses foster children at approximately 6 p.m. Saturday after receiving a report from Susan Hellen, the suspect’s wife.

According to OCSO, one of the children living in the residence where the Hellens were house parents told one of her friends that Michael Hellen had fondled her while the two were sitting on a sofa watching a movie.

Susan Hellen reportedly heard about the allegation and confronted her husband. According to the Sheriff’s Office report, Michael Hellen confessed and told his wife that he had apologized to the victim and begged for forgiveness.

During the initial investigation, Michael Hellen reportedly confessed to the deputy that he had intentionally touched the victim’s breasts and genital area. According to the OCSO report, the suspect said he asked the victim if she was OK, and he told the deputy, “I thought she had said yes.”

“This remains an active investigation,” Sheriff Larry Ashley said. “It is not only a horrific crime, but it is especially shocking that it took place at the Children in Crisis facility, where so many wonderful people have worked tirelessly for many years to help hundreds of foster children in need.

“The actions of one individual should not reflect on the good deeds of an entire organization.”

Ashley said OCSO is not aware of additional victims at this time, but the investigation is continuing. Anyone with information about the case should call 651-7400.

According to Ken Hair, president and CEO of Children in Crisis, there was nothing in Michael Hellen’s background check to indicate any history of child molestation or any other sexual offenses.

“Not even a hint,” Hair said. “We are shocked and devastated by this.”

Hair said the victim was immediately transferred to another house on the CIC campus, and that Susan Hellen has been placed on administrative leave while the investigation continues.

“We are cooperating with the Sheriff’s Office and the Department of Children and Families in their investigation, and we will leave no stone unturned in our internal investigation,” Hair said. “The most important thing right now is the child.”

Hair asked for the community’s prayers as the investigation continues.

“We have worked so hard over the years to provide a safe home for more than 600 children,” he said. “We need the community’s support to continue to do so.”