Sumter County Sheriff's Office
Frances Buxton is an experienced crime analyst currently employed at the Sumter County Sheriff's Office since April 2021, previously serving in the same role at the Wildwood Police Department from August 2014 to April 2021. Frances also held the position of Communications Supervisor at Wildwood Police Department, overseeing the Dispatch Center and its operations, including supervising a team of communications officers. Prior experience includes working as a Supervisor of Communications Division at Rural/Metro Corporation and as Lead Dispatcher at Sumter County Sheriff's Office. Frances possesses a strong background in emergency communication and public safety functions, supplemented by education from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and St. Petersburg College.
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.