Alleged pedophile firefighter released on bail is arrested again, as cops seek more victims

Cops are looking for more victims of an alleged pedophile firefighter — who was first released on bail for sick crimes against children — and then rearrested two days later.

Pasadena Fire Captain Christopher James Ramstead, 47, of Thousand Oaks, is charged with nine counts of lewd acts with a minor under 14 years of age, which is a felony punishable by up to eight years in prison.

According to police, Ramstead was first arrested on Feb. 4 for crimes against kids that were believed to have occurred in Los Angeles County.

But he was released the following day, after posting $550,000 bail for the charge of lewd acts with a minor younger than 14, court records show.

Then, after being out of jail for just one day, the LAPD’s Juvenile Division once again arrested the accused child molester on Feb. 6.

This time he faces nine counts of the same charge of lewd acts with a child younger than 14, a spokesman for the LAPD said.

Ramstead is now being held without bail at LAPD Metropolitan Detention Center according police records show.

A lawyer for Ramstead couldn’t immediately be reached.

The alleged pedophile is captain with the Pasadena Fire Department, according to Pasadena city officials and public records.

Payroll records show Ramstead has been with the fire department for more than a decade.

In 2024 he pulled in nearly $288,000 from his public job, including more than $114,000 in overtime, the records show.

Pasadena Chief Communications Officer Lisa Derderian said the alleged pervert firefighter has since been relieved of his duties.

“The Fire Captain was immediately put on administrative leave while the investigation(s) take place,” Derderian said in a statement. “The alleged incident(s) occurred outside the scope of the employee’s
official duties.”

Derderian wouldn’t say more, citing an active investigation.

But LAPD investigators think Ramstead may have committed additional crimes, beyond the nine felony counts he’s already facing.

In a news bulletin released by the LAPD Friday, the department’s Juvenile Division, Abused Child Section, asked for the public’s help in identifying additional victims of Ramstead.

“Investigators suspect there may be additional, unidentified victims,” of the disgraced fire captain, the bulletin states.

Police couldn’t share any other details of the case because of the ongoing investigation.

Court records say Ramstead is next due in court on Feb. 26.

Police are asking anyone with additional information regarding Ramstead to contact the LAPD’s Juvenile Division at (818) 374-5415.

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