Sumter County Sheriff's Office
Brenda McCray-Alford is an experienced professional with a background in various roles related to law enforcement, education, and childcare. Currently serving as a Production Trainee at Tyson Foods since June 2021, Brenda trains assembly and production workers while assisting in the development of training methods. Brenda has been a Corporal Detention Officer at Sumter County Sheriff's Office since August 2009 and has also worked as a Bus Driver for the Sumter County Board of Education since August 2005. Prior to these roles, Brenda owned and operated Brenda's Open Arm Daycare from July 1999 to April 2008. Academic credentials include a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration from the University of Phoenix (2017-2019) and an Associate's Degree in Criminal Justice/Police Science from the same institution (2014-2016), alongside a high school diploma from Lee County High School in Leesburg, Georgia, obtained between 1988 and 1991.
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.