Sumter County Sheriff's Office
Jeffery Richardson is a seasoned professional in law enforcement and forensic science, with a career spanning from April 2004 to the present at the Sumter County Sheriff's Office. Initially serving as a Deputy Sheriff and K9 Handler, Richardson progressed through various roles including Narcotics Investigator, Traffic Sergeant, Patrol Staff Sergeant, Training Lieutenant, and Special Operations Captain, before transitioning to the role of Forensic Chemist in 2024 after completing training focused on drug analysis. Additionally, Richardson has extensive military experience as a Corporal in the United States Marine Corps from September 1999 to September 2003. Academically, Richardson holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from the University of South Carolina, obtained in May 2023, and an Associate of Arts degree from the University of South Carolina Sumter. Notably, Richardson has been a founding member and Commander of the Sheriff's Emergency Response Team and has led the Search and Recovery Dive Team.
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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.