A Southern California fire captain with two decades of service is being held without bail after prosecutors accused him of sexually abusing three children in cases that allegedly span more than 20 years, prompting investigators to ask whether additional victims may exist.
Christopher James Ramstead, 47, of Thousand Oaks, a captain with the Pasadena Fire Department, has been charged with nine felony counts alleging lewd acts involving children under the age of 14, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.
Authorities allege the crimes occurred in Los Angeles and Ventura counties between March 2003 and July 2025.
The criminal complaint outlines three separate time frames tied to three alleged victims.
One child was allegedly abused between March 1 and October 1, 2003. A second child was allegedly abused between December 29, 2011, and December 28, 2013. A third alleged incident occurred on or about July 26, 2025.
Investigators have not disclosed how Ramstead allegedly met the children or the specific locations in Los Angeles County where the alleged abuse occurred, according to The Mercury News.
Ramstead initially was arrested Feb. 4 on suspicion of crimes against children and later posted $550,000 bond before being released, authorities said.
After formal charges were filed by the District Attorney’s Office, he was re-arrested Feb. 6 and ordered held without bail. Online court records confirm he was taken back into custody that day.
During an arraignment at the Van Nuys Courthouse, Ramstead pleaded not guilty. A bail hearing is scheduled for Friday in Department 112. At prosecutors’ request, the court ordered him to remain jailed pending further proceedings.
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman said the case reflects serious allegations involving abuse of trust.
“These allegations describe years of sexual abuse of children by someone who was repeatedly placed in positions of trust,” Hochman said in a statement. “The harm alleged here is profound, and no title, badge or uniform places anyone above the law.”
He also commended those who came forward and encouraged anyone with additional information to contact authorities.
Ramstead has been employed by the Pasadena Fire Department since 2005 and was promoted to captain in 2016.
According to ABC7, he was most recently assigned to Fire Station 38 on Linda Vista Avenue. City officials confirmed he was immediately placed on administrative leave following his arrest.
In a statement, the City of Pasadena said it was aware of the arrest and emphasized that the alleged conduct did not occur while Ramstead was performing official duties.
“The alleged incident(s) occurred outside the scope of the employee’s official duties,” the city said, adding that it could not provide further comment due to the ongoing investigation.
In a statement to USA Today, Ramstead’s attorney, Steve Sitkoff, described his client as a “respected” and “decorated captain” and a “family man,” saying the allegations “are extremely troubling to him.”
Sitkoff said Ramstead intends to contest the charges and looks forward to clearing his name.
If convicted on all counts, Ramstead faces a potential sentence of 135 years to life in state prison.
The case is being prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Vira Samouhi of the Sex Crimes Division and remains under investigation by the Los Angeles Police Department.
Detectives with the LAPD’s Juvenile Division are asking anyone who may be a victim or who has additional information to call 818-374-5415.
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