A Pasadena Fire Department captain faces child sex abuse charges after being re-arrested on Friday.
Christopher Ramstead, 47, appeared in a Van Nuys courtroom on Monday and was charged with nine counts of lewd acts with a minor under 14 years of age. The child molestation allegations involve three victims with the molestation happening during different time frames between March 2003 and July 2025 in Los Angeles and Ventura counties, the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office said Monday.
Ramstead was first arrested Wednesday, but was released from jail after posting his $550,000 bond. He was re-arrested on Friday and held on no bail. During the his arraignment Monday, Ramstead pleaded not guilty. A bail hearing is scheduled for Feb. 13.
Ramstead, who lives in Thousand Oaks, was hired by the Pasadena Fire Department in 2005 and promoted to captain in 2016. He was most recently assigned to Fire Station 38 on Linda Vista Avenue, not far from the Rose Bowl.
In a statement, the City of Pasadena said they’re “aware of the arrest of a Pasadena fire captain while off-duty. The alleged incidents occurred outside the scope of the employee’s official duties. The fire captain was immediately put on administrative leave while the investigations take place. Due to active investigations, the city cannot comment any further.”
Now, the Los Angeles Police Department believes there could be more victims and asking for the public’s help. Anyone who may be a victim or has more information about Ramstead is urged to call detectives at 818-374-5415.
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