Neighbors of a longtime Wahiawa youth soccer coach say they are shocked the 65-year-old man has been accused of sexually assaulting a 7-year-old player, describing him as a community leader and model citizen.

Frederick Rames, of Holua Way in Wahiawa, was charged yesterday with six counts of third-degree sexual assault.

It is unclear if more than one victim is involved, but police said the investigation started after a 7-year-old boy was diagnosed with a venereal disease during a routine physical exam. The boy told police he had been sexually assaulted by his soccer coach.

Rames was being held last night in lieu of $150,000 bail.

"I don't believe it. He is a very good man," said Annette Lau, who has known Rames for decades. "I'm pretty sure he's suffering right now."

Rames told The Advertiser he tutored five children in his Wahiawa home, and was partnering with Wai'anae-based Koa Iki to provide similar services on the Leeward Coast. As part of the program, Rames would encourage participants to play soccer and cover their league fees.

He hoped to expand the nonprofit, but it was not immediately clear yesterday how many children were involved in the program. The nonprofit has a current certificate of good standing to operate.

Filings with the state say the nonprofit aims to provide "tutoring, computer and transportation at no cost to children in need."

From 1994 to 2005, Rames operated Affordable Computer Services out of his Wahiawa home, according to state business records.

Rames was arrested Thursday afternoon near Ka'ala Elementary School before a youth soccer practice. Police said they were interviewing children and parents who have come forward. Third-degree sex assault is a felony, which is punishable by up to five years in prison.

At Rames' home yesterday, a well-used soccer goal sat in the front yard, next to a children's slide and a ball. No one answered the door, but a woman who answered the phone said the family is stunned at the allegations against Rames and were awaiting his call.

Neighbors said Rames was divorced and had two adult children and grandchildren who are toddlers, some of whom lived with him.

Carol Yamanaka, who lives next to Rames, said the coach would always lend a hand if asked. Once a month, Rames cut Yamanaka's grass and trimmed her plants for a small fee.

"He's a very kind guy," she said.

As the sun went down yesterday, Lau chatted with Mitsuko Timmermans on the street, both shaking their heads in disbelief and vowing to stand by Rames.

"I don't believe it," Timmermans said. "It's very sad."