Los Angeles police are seeking additional victims after a Pasadena Fire Department captain was re-arrested Friday, Feb. 6, 2026, on multiple felony counts related to alleged child sexual abuse. The crimes are alleged to have occurred over more than two decades.
Captain Accused of Decades-Long Pattern of Abuse
Authorities believe Christopher James Ramstead, 47, may have victimized others beyond the at least three individuals already identified in Los Angeles and Ventura counties.
- Christopher Ramstead, a Pasadena Fire Department captain, faces nine felony counts of lewd acts with a child.
- The alleged abuse spanned from March 2003 to July 2025, across Los Angeles and Ventura counties.
- Ramstead was previously arrested Feb. 4 but released on bail; he is now being held without bail.
- Detectives are actively seeking additional potential victims.
What are the potential penalties if Ramstead is convicted on all counts? If found guilty, Ramstead could face a sentence ranging from 135 years to life in state prison, according to prosecutors.
Ramstead, a firefighter-paramedic and captain with the Pasadena Fire Department, was re-arrested by detectives from the Los Angeles Police Department’s Juvenile Division, Abused Child Section. The arrest stemmed from a felony warrant alleging violations of California Penal Code Section 288(a), which prohibits lewd acts involving children under the age of 14.
Prosecutors with the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office have filed nine felony counts in case number 26VWCF00301. The charges allege that Ramstead’s crimes involved at least three victims and took place during multiple periods between March 2003 and July 2025. Authorities also allege the offenses were committed against more than one victim.
During his arraignment, Ramstead pleaded not guilty. At the request of the prosecution, the court ordered him held without bail. A bail hearing is scheduled for Feb. 13 in Department 112 of the Van Nuys Courthouse.
The investigation began in Ventura County before expanding into Los Angeles County. Ramstead was initially arrested on Feb. 4 in connection with suspected crimes involving children in Los Angeles County but was subsequently released on bail before the new warrant was issued.
Authorities have released a photograph of Ramstead to aid in identifying potential victims. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact LAPD Juvenile Division detectives at 818-374-5415. For calls made outside of regular business hours or on weekends, contact 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (1-877-527-3247).
Anonymous tips can be submitted through LA Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (1-800-222-8477), online at lacrimestoppers.org, via the “Anonymous Web Tips” option on lapdonline.org, or through the P3 Tips mobile application by selecting LA Regional Crime Stoppers.
The case is being prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Vira Samouhi of the District Attorney’s Office Sex Crimes Division, and the Los Angeles Police Department continues to actively investigate.
