Sumter County Sheriff's Office
Brandy Almany currently serves as a Major Crimes Detective at Sumter County Sheriff's Office since January 2019, with roles as a Specialized Training Instructor, Property Crimes Detective, Family Crimes Detective, and Road Patrol Deputy. In addition to this position, Brandy is an Academy Instructor at Withlacoochee Technical College since September 2023, where responsibilities include teaching FDLE required material for law enforcement certification. Brandy also holds an adjunct instructor position at the College of Central Florida since February 2023. Prior experience includes working as a Road Patrol Officer at Wildwood Police Department Florida from December 2014 to January 2019. Brandy's educational background includes a Bachelor's degree in Cognitive Psychology from Saint Leo University and an Associate's degree in General Studies from College of Central Florida.
This person is not in the org chart
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.