A veteran fire captain from Southern California is under arrest and being held without bail following serious allegations of prolonged sexual abuse of children. Christopher James Ramstead, 47, a captain with the Pasadena Fire Department, is facing nine felony counts, with accusations that stretch over a period of more than two decades. The Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office has charged Ramstead with lewd acts involving children under the age of 14.
The alleged crimes took place across Los Angeles and Ventura counties, with the earliest incidents dating back to March 2003 and the most recent to July 2025. The criminal complaint details three distinct periods corresponding to the alleged abuse of three victims. The first child was reportedly abused between March and October 2003, while the second suffered abuse from late December 2011 to late December 2013. The third incident is alleged to have occurred around July 26, 2025.
Specific details on how Ramstead encountered the children or the exact locations of the alleged abuse in Los Angeles County have not been released by investigators, as reported by The Mercury News. Initially, Ramstead was arrested on February 4 on suspicion of crimes against children and subsequently released on a $550,000 bond. However, following the formal filing of charges by the District Attorney's Office, he was re-arrested on February 6 and ordered to be held without bail.
During an arraignment at the Van Nuys Courthouse, Ramstead pled not guilty. A bail hearing is scheduled for the near future, and at the request of the prosecutors, he will remain incarcerated pending further legal proceedings. Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman has expressed the gravity of the allegations, highlighting the breach of trust involved. "These allegations describe years of sexual abuse of children by someone who was repeatedly placed in positions of trust," Hochman stated. He also praised the courage of the individuals coming forward and urged anyone with additional information to contact the authorities.
Employed by the Pasadena Fire Department since 2005 and promoted to captain in 2016, Ramstead was most recently serving at Fire Station 38 on Linda Vista Avenue. Following his arrest, the City of Pasadena placed him on administrative leave and issued a statement clarifying that the alleged incidents did not occur while Ramstead was on duty.
Ramstead's attorney, Steve Sitkoff, told USA Today that his client, who is considered a "respected" and "decorated captain" and a "family man," finds the allegations deeply disturbing. Sitkoff emphasized Ramstead's intention to vigorously contest the charges and his eagerness to clear his name. If convicted of all counts, Ramstead could face a sentence of 135 years to life in state prison.
The case, prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Vira Samouhi of the Sex Crimes Division, is still under active investigation by the Los Angeles Police Department. Detectives from the LAPD's Juvenile Division are requesting that any additional victims or individuals with information come forward and contact them.
