By NEAL WAGNER / City Editor

A 62-year-old Helena man was released on a $15,000 bond after he was arrested on Aug. 1 and charged with sexually abusing an underage girl.

Helena police arrested Gene Allen and charged him with one count of sexual abuse of a child younger than 12.

Helena Police Sgt. Chris Rollan said the victim in the case was a female younger than 12 who “Mr. Allen knew for several years prior, and was considered a family friend.”

“The exact incident location and other specific details cannot be released at this time due to it being an ongoing investigation,” Rollan said, noting the arrest came after a Helena police investigation. “There was sufficient probable cause and physical evidence that was presented to the Shelby County District Attorney’s office prior to the warrant being issued.”

Shelby County Jail records show Allen posted a $15,000 bond the same day he was arrested.

According to Alabama law, a person commits the crime of sexual abuse of a child less than 12 years old if he or she, being 16 years old or older, subjects another person who is less than 12 years old to sexual contact.

Sexual abuse of a child younger than 12 is a Class B felony. If convicted of the crime, Allen could face between 10-20 years in prison.