Sumter County Sheriff's Office
James Haworth has a diverse work experience spanning various roles and positions. James began their career as a Patrolman at the Deland Police Department in 1991 and later worked as a Patrolman at the Zephyrhills Police Department from 1993 to 1994. In 1994, they joined the Marion County Sheriff's Office as a Deputy Sheriff until 1996, when they became the Chief Operating Officer at Proffesional Records and Storage. In 2000, they returned to the Marion County Sheriff's Office as a Deputy Sheriff and later served as a Homicide/Major Case Detective from 2001 to 2005. In 2005, Haworth started their own business, Tas T O Donuts, as the Owner until 2019. During this time, they also owned and operated Professional Data Storage from 1997 to 2014. Finally, in 2008, they joined the Sumter County Sheriff's Office as a Deputy and worked their way up to Chief Deputy, their current position.
James Haworth obtained their Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.) degree in Business Administration and Management from Stetson University between the years 1988 and 1992. Later, they pursued a Master of Science (M.S.) degree in Criminal Justice/Police Science at the University of Central Florida from 2000 to 2001.
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.