A Pasadena Fire Department captain pleaded not guilty Monday to allegations that he sexually abused three children in Los Angeles and Ventura counties for over 20 years.
The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office has charged Christopher James Ramstead, 47, of Thousand Oaks, with nine felony counts of committing a lewd act on a child during various time frames between March 2003 and July 2025.
Ramstead remains jailed without bail pending a bail review hearing set for Friday in Van Nuys.
“These allegations describe years of sexual abuse of children by someone who was repeatedly placed in positions of trust,” District Attorney Nathan Hochman said in a statement. “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.”
Ramstead faces a maximum of 135 years to life in state prison if convicted as charged, prosecutors said.
Pasadena spokeswoman Lisa Derderian said in an email to HeySoCal.com, “The City is aware of the allegations and legal proceedings. Christopher Ramstead is on unpaid administrative leave at this point.”
Investigators from the Los Angeles Police Department’s Juvenile Division are asking anyone who may be an alleged victim or who has additional information about Ramstead to call them at 818-374-5415 or 1-877-LAPD-24-7 during nonbusiness hours or on weekends.
Updated Feb. 12, 2026, 1:28 p.m.
