Alabama man on leave from Vanderbilt Health following arrest on child sexual abuse material

LIMESTONE COUNTY, Ala. (WHNT) — A Hazel Green man arrested on August 15 for several counts of possession of child sexual abuse material has been placed on administrative leave by his current employer.

Court records show that Michael Patrick Achord was arrested in Limestone County on five counts of possession of child pornography with the intent to disseminate.

Court records list the offense date as June 9.

Court records show that Achord filed a request to leave the state because he works in Nashville, Tenn., at Vanderbilt University Medical Center ER. A Limestone County Judge approved that request on August 18.

News 19 reached out to Vanderbilt Health to learn more about his position and they told us that Achord was placed on administrative leave and that the matter is under investigation at this time.

A spokesperson for the City of Madison told News 19 that Achord, a former Madison firefighter/paramedic, left on his own accord and that he hasn’t worked for the City of Madison for nearly a year. The City also said there were no problems with Achord while he was an employee.

A Facebook post from 2024 shows that prior to leaving Madison Fire & Rescue, he had celebrated his 13th anniversary with the agency.

Court Documents show Achord was released on a $50,000 bond on August 16.