A Pasadena Fire Department captain faces serious allegations of child sexual abuse spanning more than two decades, as authorities seek additional victims who may have been affected.
Christopher James Ramstead, 47, of Thousand Oaks, was arrested twice in early February 2026. The Los Angeles Police Department initially arrested him on February 4 before he posted bail and was released. Two days later, after the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office filed nine counts of lewd acts upon children under 14 years of age, Ramstead was re-arrested on a felony warrant.
Prosecutors allege the crimes involved at least three victims and occurred during multiple periods between March 2003 and July 2025. The investigation began in Ventura County before expanding to Los Angeles County, though authorities have released limited details about where the alleged crimes took place or how Ramstead met the victims.
During his arraignment, Ramstead pleaded not guilty to all charges. At prosecutors’ request, the court ordered him held without bail, with a bail hearing scheduled for Thursday at the Van Nuys Courthouse.
The LAPD’s Juvenile Division has released Ramstead’s photograph to help identify potential additional victims. Investigators are asking anyone with information to contact detectives at (818) 374-5415 or submit anonymous tips through LA Regional Crime Stoppers.
If convicted on all counts, Ramstead faces a potential sentence of 135 years to life in state prison. The case remains under active investigation by the Los Angeles Police Department and is being prosecuted by the District Attorney’s Office Sex Crimes Division.
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