There is an indirect sense in which God is the author of moral evil. 

God created moral beings with a free choice, and this is the origin of moral evil in the universe. 

So ultimately, God made evil possible by creating free moral creatures who are responsible for moral evil. 

So is this necessarily a bad thing? If you have a choice even to think right now ~ this would mean that it is not a bad thing at all because you have the ability to choose.  

God made evil possible by creating free creatures, but the free creatures made evil actual. 

In conclusion, God only created good things, one of which is the power of free moral beings. 

However, we have to keep in mind that God only permitted evil but does not promote it. He will ultimately produce a greater good through it. 

God has allowed evil to exist (though for a limited time) to essentially display His mercy and grace. While the evil may seem to be overpowering, we can take courage because God will work things out for the glory of His name and that there is a sovereign purpose in all things that God has permitted. 

Genesis 50:20 (NKJV)

20. But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive.