Sumter County Sheriff's Office
Hector Otero has extensive law enforcement experience, currently serving as a Sergeant in Road Patrol at Sumter County Sheriff's Office since February 2013. Previous roles at the agency include Corporal, Detective in both criminal investigations and major crimes, Senior Master Deputy/Field Training Officer, and Master Deputy in the Target Area of Concern Unit. Earlier professional experiences include a Master's and Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Grand Canyon University, Disbursement Manager at ACS A Xerox Company, and serving as a Sergeant and Electrical Equipment Repair Specialist in the United States Marine Corps from July 2003 to July 2007.
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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.