Pasadena fire captain Christopher Ramstead re-arrested on nine counts involving under-14 victims

A Pasadena Fire Department captain was re-arrested and charged with nine felony counts alleging lewd acts on children under age 14, prompting an active investigation by the Los Angeles Police Department’s juvenile unit. The charges name Christopher James Ramstead, 47, of Thousand Oaks, and allege abuse of multiple children over a period spanning more than two decades.

Christopher James Ramstead (dob 9/29/1978) faces nine counts of committing a lewd act upon a child under 14 in case number 26VWCF00301. Prosecutors and local reports identify three alleged victims, while the court filing states the crimes were committed against more than one victim. The alleged incidents span March 2003 through July 2025 and are said to have occurred in Los Angeles and Ventura counties.

Law enforcement first arrested Ramstead on Feb. 4; he posted $550,000 bond and was released. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office filed formal charges two days later and the LAPD Juvenile Division re-arrested him on Feb. 6. After the re-arrest he was held on no bail. He appeared in a Van Nuys courtroom on Monday and pleaded not guilty; a bail hearing is scheduled for Feb. 13.

The Los Angeles County District Attorney framed the case as an abuse-of-trust matter. “These allegations describe years of sexual abuse of children by someone who was repeatedly placed in positions of trust,” Nathan J. Hochman said. “The harm alleged here is profound, and no title, badge or uniform places anyone above the law. We commend the courage of those who reported this abuse, request any others who have information about such abuse to come forward, and assure the public that our office will aggressively pursue justice and stand with survivors.”

Investigators have said relatively few details about locations or how the alleged victims met Ramstead, and police indicated the probe began in Ventura County. The Los Angeles Police Department’s Juvenile Division Abused Child Section is seeking public assistance in identifying additional victims. “The Los Angeles Police Department's Juvenile Division Abused Child Section is seeking public assistance in identifying additional victims,” the unit stated.

Ramstead was hired by the Pasadena Fire Department in 2005, promoted to captain in 2016 and was most recently assigned to Fire Station 38 on Linda Vista Avenue. Court records list the Van Nuys branch case number 26VWCF00301; the charges remain allegations and no conviction has been entered.

Why this matters: the accusations reach back decades and involve someone who served in a public safety role, heightening community concern about access, oversight and survivor support. The case is ongoing; the bail hearing set for Feb. 13 and follow-up court filings will offer more detail on counts, alleged dates and jurisdictions. Anyone with information should contact the LAPD Juvenile Division Abused Child Section and expect investigators to pursue additional victims and corroborating evidence as the case proceeds.