Pasadena Fire Captain Christopher James Ramstead accused of pedophilia
The police are currently on the lookout for more victims of an alleged pedophile firefighter, Christopher James Ramstead, who was initially released on bail for heinous crimes against children, only to be rearrested two days later. Ramstead, a 47-year-old Pasadena Fire Captain from Thousand Oaks, is facing nine counts of lewd acts with a minor under 14 years of age, a felony that carries a maximum sentence of eight years in prison.
Ramstead was first arrested on February 4 for crimes involving children that were believed to have taken place in Los Angeles County. Despite posting $550,000 bail the following day for the initial charge, he was released from custody. However, his freedom was short-lived as he was arrested again by the LAPD’s Juvenile Division on February 6, this time facing nine additional counts of lewd acts with a child under 14.
Currently, Ramstead is being held without bail at the LAPD Metropolitan Detention Center. The Pasadena city officials confirmed that he is a captain with the Pasadena Fire Department, where he has been employed for over a decade. In 2024, Ramstead earned nearly $288,000 from his public job, including over $114,000 in overtime pay.
Following his arrest, Ramstead has been relieved of his duties and placed on administrative leave. The Pasadena Chief Communications Officer, Lisa Derderian, stated that the alleged incidents occurred outside the scope of Ramstead’s official duties. The LAPD suspects that there may be additional victims of Ramstead beyond the current charges he is facing and has called for the public’s assistance in identifying them.
The investigation is ongoing, and Ramstead is scheduled to appear in court on February 26. Anyone with information regarding Ramstead is urged to contact the LAPD’s Juvenile Division. The police are working diligently to uncover the extent of Ramstead’s crimes and bring justice to any additional victims who may have suffered at his hands.
