FBI investigation leads to child pornography charges against Ottawa County fire chief

OTTAWA COUNTY, Mich. — A 49-year-old County fire chief is facing felony charges after an FBI investigation revealed he shared child pornography.

Todd Achterhof was arraigned early Thursday morning, with an Ottawa County judge deciding not to grant him bail, meaning he will remain behind bars while his case moves through the courts.

According to the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office, the investigation began within the FBI’s West Michigan Based Child Exploitation (WEB CHEX) task force.

In May 2024, county investigators became involved after being contacted by the FBI.

According to the Public Prosecution Service, he is said to have sent photos and videos of children to an FBI agent who communicated with him online and undercover.

On Wednesday, July 31, a case was filed and presented to the Ottawa County Prosecutor’s Office.

Achterhof has been charged with:

• CSAM – Aggravated Possession
• CSAM – Possession (x2 counts)
• CSAM Distribution
• Using a computer to commit a crime (x2 counts)

According to several sources, Achterhof was a captain in the Graafschap fire brigade for more than twenty years.
Chief Doug DenBleyker told FOX 17 on Thursday: “Todd Achterhof was an employee of the Graafschap Fire Department from May 2, 1997 until May 22, 2024, when he resigned from his position with the Graafschap Fire Department. The letter we received did not provide a reason for his resignation. The Graafschap Fire Department has no further comment on this matter.”

He was also previously a full-time dispatcher at Hope College.

“Upon learning of the federal search warrant, Hope College immediately conducted a thorough internal investigation,” a college spokesperson told FOX 17 on Thursday.

“The investigation found no activity on campus or involving college resources that is related to the allegations. The individual is no longer employed by Hope College. This is the extent of the college’s commentary on this matter.”

Anyone with information about him or possible further charges is asked to contact the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office at (616) 738-4000, Silent Observer at 1-877-88 SILENT (745368).

These accusations against Achterhof are still being investigated.

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