Sumter County Sheriff's Office
James Aguiar Jr. has a diverse background in law enforcement and correctional services, with significant roles spanning several decades. Currently serving as an Accreditation Inspector at Sumter County Sheriff's Office since February 2016, James ensures compliance with accreditation standards. Prior to this, James worked as a Fire Safety Inspector at Marion County Sheriff's Office from August 2003 to February 2016, focusing on adherence to local, state, and federal standards. Experience also includes the role of Classification Specialist at the Department of Correction from 2000 to 2003, where responsibilities involved categorizing state-sentenced inmates. James began a career in law enforcement at Monroe County Sheriff's Office, serving as Director from August 1986 to March 2000, overseeing inmate processing and management across multiple facilities. James holds an Associate's Degree in Organizational Leadership from Tripp Bible Institute, obtained between 2012 and 2013.
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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.