Prosecutors allege abuse of multiple children over more than two decades as LAPD seeks additional victims.
Los Angeles police are seeking additional victims after a Pasadena Fire Department captain was charged with multiple felony counts stemming from an alleged pattern of child sexual abuse spanning more than two decades across Los Angeles and Ventura counties.
Christopher James Ramstead, 47, of Thousand Oaks, was re-arrested Friday, Feb. 6, 2026, by detectives with the Los Angeles Police Department’s Juvenile Division, Abused Child Section. The arrest was made on a felony warrant alleging violations of California Penal Code Section 288(a), which prohibits lewd acts involving children under the age of 14.
Prosecutors with the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office have filed nine felony counts against Ramstead in case number 26VWCF00301. Authorities allege the crimes involved at least three victims and occurred during multiple time periods between March 2003 and July 2025. Prosecutors further allege the offenses were committed against more than one victim.
Ramstead, who is employed as a firefighter-paramedic with the Pasadena Fire Department and holds the rank of captain, pleaded not guilty during his arraignment. At the request of prosecutors, the court ordered him held without bail. A bail hearing is scheduled for Feb. 13 in Department 112 of the Van Nuys Courthouse.
Police said the investigation originated in Ventura County and later expanded into Los Angeles County. Ramstead was previously arrested on Feb. 4 in connection with suspected crimes involving children in Los Angeles County but was released on bail prior to the issuance of the new warrant.
Detectives believe additional victims may not yet have been identified. Authorities released a photograph of Ramstead to assist in locating anyone who may have been victimized.
If convicted on all counts, Ramstead faces a potential sentence of 135 years to life in state prison. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Vira Samouhi of the District Attorney’s Office Sex Crimes Division and remains under active investigation by the Los Angeles Police Department.
Anyone who believes they may be a victim or who has information related to the case is urged to contact LAPD Juvenile Division detectives at 818-374-5415. Calls made outside regular business hours or on weekends should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (1-877-527-3247).
Anonymous tips may be submitted through LA Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (1-800-222-8477), online at lacrimestoppers.org, via the “Anonymous Web Tips” option on lapdonline.org, or through the P3 Tips mobile application by selecting LA Regional Crime Stoppers.
