Sumter County Sheriff's Office
Bill Rappleyea has extensive experience in law enforcement and the food service industry. Since April 2006, Bill has served as a Deputy Sheriff in the Road Patrol division at Sumter County Sheriff's Office. Prior to this role, Bill worked in the restaurant industry, initially as a "Cowboy" Manager at Roadhouse Grill from 1995 to 2001, with a stint as Kitchen Manager at Buffalo Wild Wings from January 1999 to January 2000. Bill returned to Roadhouse Grill after gaining experience in Lexington, Kentucky.
Sumter County Sheriff's Office
The Victim Advocate program has been in effect since November 7, 2005 providing crisis intervention and supportive measures to victims of crime. The majority of cases handled by the Advocate involve sexual abuse, domestic violence, child abuse, homicide, or other serious injury cases. The Victim Advocate’s primary focus is that of the victim or the victim’s family’s emotional, physical, and financial needs. These needs are addressed by acting as a liaison for victims with Law Enforcement, the State Attorney’s Office, and the Court. The advocate provides assistance with crime’s compensation, transportation, counseling, and shelter, injunctions for protection, loaner cellular phones, referrals, and informational brochures on victim related topics. Melissa Kunz is the current Victim Advocate for the Sumter County Sheriff's Office and is on call 24 hours a day – 7 days a week. She has recently become a member of the death review team for children and participates in weekly staff meetings on problem child abuse cases at the Department of Children and Families and attends the Community Task Force on Sexual and Domestic Violence monthly. Melissa collaborates on issues to improve services in our county for rape, domestic violence, and child abuse cases routinely updating and distributing service provider lists and resources. Melissa can be reached at (352) 793-0278 extension 2379.