Pasadena firefighter charged with decades of child sexual abuse, denied bail, under house arrest.

Pasadena Fire Captain Christopher James Ramstead, 47, has been charged with nine felony counts of lewd acts on a child under 14, allegedly committed over more than two decades in Los Angeles and Ventura counties between March 2003 and July 2025. He was initially arrested on Feb. 4, released on $550,000 bond, then rearrested two days later and denied bail, with a $3.25 million bond set. Ramstead, who pleaded not guilty, is under house arrest with a GPS monitor, prohibited from having minors at his home except his children, and banned from contacting victims or witnesses. Authorities say he held positions of trust and could face up to 135 years to life if convicted. The city confirmed the alleged crimes occurred outside official duties, and Ramstead was placed on administrative leave. Investigators believe more victims may exist and urge anyone with information to contact the LAPD Juvenile Division.