Detroit Pastor Faces 6 Counts of Sexual Misconduct for Molesting Boy

By Clergy Abuse News

A pastor at a Detroit area Baptist church has been arrested for allegedly molesting an underage boy multiple times.

Russell Walter Schaller, senior pastor at the Greater St. John Missionary Baptist Church, has been charged with six counts of criminal sexual conduct with a minor. He is currently being held in the Wayne County Jail on $100,000 bond.

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According to River Rouge Police Chief Robert Alderman, Schaller befriended the victim over the last couple of years, but the alleged misconduct has only been going on for the last six months.

Alderman said Schaller has history of taking in trouble teens, but it's not sure whether or not the victim in this case is one of them. According to Alderman, Schaller would bring the teens into his home and then collect Social Security for them.

Based on this information, police now believe there could be other victims.

If Schaller is convicted on the charges he could face 15 years in prison, thousands of dollars in fines, and mandatory registration as a sex offender, probably for life. His next court appearance is scheduled for February 19.

Sexual abuse by a pastor, priest, or any other any religious figure is one of the most traumatic experiences a child or teenager can face. If you or your loved has been sexually abused by a member of your church, an experienced clergy abuse lawyer at the Zalkin Law Firm can help. An attorney at the firm can help you file a lawsuit against the person who sexually abused you in an effort to recover compensation and get justice for the crimes that have been committed against you.

http://news.zalkin.com/2010/02/detroi...g-boy.html