Police are actively looking for more victims connected to a firefighter accused of child abuse, who was originally released on bail but was rearrested just two days later.
Christopher James Ramstead, 47, a fire chief from Thousand Oaks, faces nine charges of lewd acts involving minors under 14—a felony that could lead to up to eight years in prison.
Initially apprehended on February 4, Ramstead was charged with offenses allegedly occurring in Los Angeles County.
Despite being arrested, he managed to secure his release the following day after posting a $550,000 bail on charges related to inappropriate conduct with a minor under 14.
However, barely a day later, on February 6, the LAPD’s Juvenile Division arrested him again for further alleged crimes against children.
Currently, Ramstead is facing a total of nine felony charges and is being held without bail at the Los Angeles Police Department Metropolitan Detention Center.
Attempts to contact Ramstead’s attorney were unsuccessful.
According to city officials, he has served as a captain with the Pasadena Fire Department for over a decade. Records indicate that in 2024, he earned nearly $288,000, which included upwards of $114,000 in overtime.
Pasadena’s Chief Communications Officer, Lisa Derderian, confirmed that Ramstead has been put on administrative leave as the investigation unfolds, emphasizing that the alleged crimes were outside the scope of his duties.
Meanwhile, investigators suspect that Ramstead may have other victims beyond the nine charges currently brought against him. A bulletin from the LAPD asked for public assistance in identifying any additional victims connected to Ramstead.
“Investigators think there may be more unidentified victims,” the bulletin stated.
The police have not disclosed further details regarding the investigation as it is still ongoing.
Ramstead’s next court appearance is set for February 26, and authorities are urging anyone with information to contact the LAPD’s Juvenile Division at (818) 374-5415.
