Fire Captain Sexually Abused Children Over 2 Decades: LA County DA

LOS ANGELES, CA — A captain with the Pasadena Fire Department has been charged with sexually abusing children over two decades and authorities are working to identify additional potential victims.

Christopher James Ramstead, 47, of Thousand Oaks, pleaded not guilty on Monday to nine felony counts of committing a lewd act upon a child, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office.

Prosecutors claim Ramstead abused multiple children under the age of 14 between 2003 and 2025. Authorities have not specified exactly how many victims are involved in the case, nor the nature of their relationship with Ramstead.

A spokesperson for the city of Pasadena told Pasadena Now that the allegations stem from incidents that occurred "outside the scope of the employee's official duties." Ramstead has been placed on administrative leave.

Ramstead is described as a Pasadena Fire Department firefighter/paramedic who holds the rank of captain.

“These allegations describe years of sexual abuse of children by someone who was repeatedly placed in positions of trust,” District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman said.

Ramstead was arrested on Wednesday "for crimes against children that were believed to have occurred in Los Angeles County and was later released on bail" but was arrested two days later on a felony warrant in connection to the case, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.

The LAPD circulated a photo of Ramstead because "investigators suspect there may be additional, unidentified victims."

Authorities asked anyone who may have been victimized by Ramstead to contact Juvenile Division detectives at 818-374-5415 or 877-527-3247 during non-business hours. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers online or at 800-222-8477.