Pasadena Fire Captain Charged with Nine Counts of Child Sexual Abuse

Christopher James Ramstead faces bail review hearing on Friday after pleading not guilty to alleged abuse over two decades

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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A Pasadena Fire Department captain has been charged with nine felony counts of sexually abusing three children over more than 20 years. Christopher James Ramstead, 47, pleaded not guilty and is scheduled to appear in court on Friday for a bail review hearing.

Why it matters

The case has shocked the community and raised concerns about how a respected public safety official could allegedly commit such egregious crimes against children over an extended period. It also highlights the importance of thorough background checks and ongoing monitoring of those in positions of trust.

The details

Ramstead is accused of committing lewd acts upon three children between March 2003 and July 2025 in Los Angeles and Ventura counties. One child was allegedly abused between March and October 2003, a second between December 2011 and December 2013, and a third in July 2025. Prosecutors say Ramstead faces 135 years to life in prison if convicted.

  • On February 4, 2026, Ramstead was initially arrested by Los Angeles police and booked on suspicion of continuous sexual abuse of a child.
  • On February 5, 2026, Ramstead posted $550,000 bail and was released.
  • On February 6, 2026, the District Attorney's Office filed the nine-count charge and Ramstead was re-arrested.
  • On February 9, 2026, Ramstead pleaded not guilty to the charges.
  • On February 17, 2026, Ramstead is scheduled to appear in court for a bail review hearing.

The players

Christopher James Ramstead

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

Nathan J. Hochman

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

Steve Sitkoff

The attorney representing Ramstead, who described his client as a "respected" and "decorated captain" and a "family man," and said the allegations are "extremely troubling to him."

Vira Samouhi

The Deputy District Attorney in the Sex Crimes Division who is prosecuting the case against Ramstead.

Lisa Derderian

The chief communications officer for the City of Pasadena, who stated that the alleged incidents occurred outside the scope of Ramstead's official duties as a firefighter.

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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.”

— Nathan J. Hochman, Los Angeles County District Attorney (District Attorney's Office press release)

“The alleged incident(s) occurred outside the scope of the employee's official duties.”

— Lisa Derderian, Chief Communications Officer, City of Pasadena (City statement)

“Christopher is a respected and decorated captain, and a family man. These allegations are extremely troubling to him, and we intend to fight the charges.”

— Steve Sitkoff, Attorney representing Ramstead (USA Today Network)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Friday whether or not to allow Ramstead out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the critical need for thorough background checks and ongoing monitoring of those in positions of public trust, even respected public safety officials, to prevent such egregious crimes against vulnerable children from occurring.