A Cape Coral man is accused of molesting a girl under the age of 12.

Michael Edward Walpole, 30, of 2617 N.W. Ninth St., was arrested and charged Wednesday with one felony count of lewd lascivious behavior molest victim less than 12 years of age, offender 18 years of age or older.

As of Friday, he had been released from the Lee County Jail.

According to an arrest report, a mother reported the alleged lewd behavior toward her child to police on May 14. She stated that when she picked up her child, she saw Walpole kiss the girl on the mouth and touch the child’s thigh.

The mother later talked to the girl, who reportedly disclosed that Walpole had done things that made her uncomfortable, like kissing and touching her. She said she tried to stop him, but Walpole allegedly held down her hands.

The girl told her mother that it had been going on for more than a year.

On Tuesday, detectives made contact with Walpole at his home, where he minimized what occurred between him and the girl, according to the report. On Wednesday, he came to police headquarters to discuss the allegations.

Walpole reportedly confessed to the incidents and admitted that on two different occasions he took the girl into his bedroom and locked the door, then kissed and touched her. He allegedly said the girl asked him to stop.

He told her “in a minute” and moved her arms, the report states.

Walpole reportedly told police that he does not trust himself now around children and that he needs help. Walpole added that if he is capable of doing this to a child, then he is capable of “anything,” according to the report.

He was taken into custody and transported to the county jail.

Walpole could not be reached for comment Friday.

He has a court appearance scheduled July 16.