Bail Set at $3.25 Million for Pasadena Fire Captain Facing Child Sex Abuse Charges
Thousand Oaks Fire Captain Charged with Child Abuse
Christopher James Ramstead, 47, from Thousand Oaks, faces nine felony counts of committing lewd acts upon a child, according to court documents. The Pasadena Fire Department captain is accused of sexually abusing three minors over a span of more than 20 years, with incidents reported in Los Angeles and Ventura counties.
Bail has been set at $3.25 million, despite prosecutors’ objections urging that Ramstead remain in custody. Judge Alan Shneider granted bail but imposed strict conditions for his release.
The charges include allegations that Ramstead assaulted victims under the age of 14, with the offenses occurring between March 2003 and July 2025. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office revealed that the crimes involved more than one victim.
Ramstead was initially arrested on February 4 for offenses believed to have occurred in Los Angeles County. Just two days after being released on bail, he was re-arrested by the LAPD.
At his arraignment on Monday, Ramstead pleaded not guilty. Although the prosecution requested he be held without bail, the court later modified this decision. Under the stipulated conditions, he will be under house arrest with a GPS ankle monitor, prohibited from having any minors present in his home, except for his own children, and must avoid contact with all alleged victims and witnesses.
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman expressed grave concerns about the allegations, stating, “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.” He encouraged anyone with additional information to come forward.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for March 26. If convicted, Ramstead faces a potential sentence of up to 135 years to life in state prison. Detectives are urging anyone who may have been a victim or has further information to contact the Juvenile Division at (818) 374-5415.
