Pasadena Fire Captain Charged with Decades of Child Sexual Abuse

Judge sets $3.25M bail for Christopher James Ramstead, who faces up to 135 years in prison if convicted

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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A Pasadena Fire Department captain has been charged with sexually abusing three children over a period spanning more than two decades in Los Angeles and Ventura counties. Christopher James Ramstead, 47, of Thousand Oaks, pleaded not guilty to nine felony counts of lewd act on a child. A judge set his bail at $3.25 million and ordered him to be placed on house arrest with a GPS ankle monitor.

Why it matters

The case highlights the betrayal of trust when someone in a position of authority, such as a firefighter, is accused of sexually abusing children. It also raises concerns about potential patterns of abuse that may have gone undetected for years. The high bail amount and potential sentence reflect the severity of the alleged crimes.

The details

Ramstead is accused of sexually abusing three children between March 2003 and July 2025. The Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office said the alleged crimes occurred outside of Ramstead's official duties as a firefighter. He was immediately placed on administrative leave pending the investigation.

  • Ramstead was initially arrested on February 4, 2026 by Los Angeles police.
  • He was released on $550,000 bond, then arrested again two days later on February 6, 2026.
  • Ramstead pleaded not guilty on Monday, February 10, 2026.
  • A hearing to determine if there is enough evidence to proceed to trial is scheduled for March 26, 2026.

The players

Christopher James Ramstead

A 47-year-old Pasadena Fire Department captain charged with sexually abusing three children over a period of more than two decades.

Nathan Hochman

The Los Angeles County District Attorney who announced the charges against Ramstead, stating that "no title, badge or uniform places anyone above the law."

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What they’re saying

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

— Nathan Hochman, Los Angeles County District Attorney (KESQ)

What’s next

A hearing is scheduled for March 26, 2026 to determine if there is enough evidence to proceed to trial against Ramstead.

The takeaway

This case underscores the critical need for thorough background checks, ongoing monitoring, and swift action when public servants are accused of abusing the trust placed in them. It also highlights the bravery of survivors who come forward to report abuse, even years later, in order to seek justice and protect others.