Bail was set at $3.25 million on Friday for a Pasadena Fire Department captain facing multiple charges of child sex abuse.
Christopher Ramstead, 47, is accused of nine counts of lewd acts with a minor under 14 years of age. The alleged molestation of three victims occurred during separate time frames between March 2003 and July 2025 in Los Angeles and Ventura counties, according to the Los Angeles County district attorney’s office.
Ramstead was initially arrested Feb. 4, but was released from jail after posting his $550,000 bond. He was re-arrested on Feb. 6 and was initially held without bail. During the his arraignment Monday, Ramstead pleaded not guilty.
His bail was set at a hearing on Friday morning. Ramstead, who remained in custody early Friday afternoon, is required to wear an ankle monitor and be under house arrest if he posts bail and is released from jail. Under the terms of his bail, he must also surrender his passport, is not allowed to use any electronic devices, and may have no other children in his home other than his own.
Ramstead, who lives in Thousand Oaks, was hired by the Pasadena Fire Department in 2005 and promoted to captain in 2016. He was most recently assigned to Fire Station 38 on Linda Vista Avenue, near the Rose Bowl.
In a statement issued last week, the City of Pasadena said they’re “aware of the arrest of a Pasadena fire captain while off-duty. The alleged incidents occurred outside the scope of the employee’s official duties. The fire captain was immediately put on administrative leave while the investigations take place. Due to active investigations, the city cannot comment any further.”
The Los Angeles Police Department believes there could be more victims and asked for the public’s help. Anyone who may be a victim or has more information about Ramstead is urged to call detectives at (818) 374-5415.
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