DETROIT -- A Downriver pastor accused of sexually assaulting an underage boy was arraigned on criminal sexual conduct charges Monday afternoon.

River Rouge Police Chief Robert Alderman said the Rev. Russel Schaller, 35, is charged with six counts of third-degree CSC charges for having inappropriate contact with the boy.

"Using the word 'reverend' on Mr. Schaller definitely puts a bad name on the rest of the reverends in this area," said Alderman.

Schaller is the senior pastor at Greater St. John Missionary Baptist Church on Chalmers Street in Detroit. He is a resident of River Rouge.

Police and neighbors said Schaller had lots of contact with children.

"All the time there were kids down there (at Schaller's home)," said a neighbor, who asked only to be identified as Ruth. "There were teenage girls, teenage boys, and they were there at all hours of the night."

Alderman said Schaller seemed to connect with the teens by promising to offer help for troubled youth.

"They are looking for a model figure and Mr. Schaller is not one of those people," Alderman said.

Other neighbors said they were surprised to see the police.

"It's kind of strange," said neighbor Katrina McKey. "I was wondering why all those people were over there."

During a court appearance Monday, Schaller wore a white T-shirt with religious writing across the front.

Police said Schaller refused to deny or confirm the teenage boy's allegations, but he did tell detectives that, "Age ain't nothing but a number to me."

Police said there may be other victims because there have been other allegations against Schaller in the past, so detectives are urging parents to talk with their children.

"If you're familiar with the Rev. Schaller, talk to your kids, see how familiar they are with him or if they're victims," Alderman said. "If they are, come forward."

The River Rouge Police Department can be reached at 313-842-8700.

Schaller's bond was set at $100,000 and he will be back in court Feb. 19 for his preliminary examination.