Sumter County Sheriff's Office
Carl Dunlap is a seasoned law enforcement professional with extensive experience in various roles within the criminal justice field. Currently a Deputy Sheriff in the Civil Process/Warrants Division at Sumter County Sheriff's Office since March 2018, Carl also serves as the Owner and Chief Instructor at Diamond X Tactical Firearms Training & Consultants since December 2016. Prior to these positions, Carl accumulated 25 years of experience as a Deputy Sheriff at Marion County Sheriff's Office and served as a Reserve Wildlife Officer with the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission. Carl holds two Associate of Arts degrees in Criminal Justice from the College of Central Florida and completed training at Florida State Fire College from 2011 to 2014.
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.