Pasadena Fire captain arrested twice after child sexual abuse allegation

Los Angeles police arrested a Pasadena Fire Department captain on a child sexual abuse allegation this week. 

"The City of Pasadena is aware of the arrest of a Pasadena Fire Captain while off-duty," city spokesperson Lisa Derderian wrote in a statement. 

The Los Angeles Police Department initially arrested Captain Christopher Ramstead, 47, on Feb. 4, but he was released the following day after posting $550,000 bail. 

After being out of jail for one day, LAPD's Juvenile Division once again arrested Ramstead on Feb. 6 and held him without bail. LAPD said this case originated in Ventura County. Officers said Ramstead lives in Thousand Oaks. 

Both times, Ramstead was booked into jail on the same felony of continuous sexual assault of a minor under the age of 14 for more than three months.

"The alleged incident(s) occurred outside the scope of the employee's official duties," Derderian wrote in a statement. "The Fire Captain was immediately put on administrative leave while the investigation(s) take place. Due to active investigation(s) the City cannot comment any further."  

The LA County District Attorney's Office charged Ramstead with nine counts of lewd or lascivious acts with a child under 14 years old. In court records, prosecutors said the alleged abuse dates back to 2003 and as late as July 2025. A majority of the charges happened in December 2011. 

Ramstead pleaded not guilty. 

"These allegations describe years of sexual abuse of children by someone who was repeatedly placed in positions of trust," LA County DA Nathan Hochman said. "The harm alleged here is profound, and no title, badge or uniform places anyone above the law."

Prosecutors said they have identified three victims. 

"We commend the courage of those who reported this abuse, request any others who have information about such abuse to come forward, and assure the public that our office will aggressively pursue justice and stand with survivors," Hochman said.   

Investigators are searching for additional victims. Anyone with information on the case can contact Juvenile Division detectives at (818) 374-5415 or 1(877) 527-3247. 

Those wishing to stay anonymous can contact the LA Regional Crime Stoppers at 1(800) 222-8477 or through their website, lacrimestoppers.org.