Sumter County Sheriff's Office
Joel Mullins has extensive experience with the Sumter County Sheriff's Office since March 2007, currently serving as a Lieutenant overseeing Crime Scene and Evidence and functioning as a Latent Print Examiner. Starting as a latent print examiner in 2016, Joel has participated in five RSA classes and is pursuing certification. In addition, Joel is a member of the Public Safety Dive Team, holding multiple diving certifications and serving as a Dive Commander. Previous roles at the Sheriff's Office include Crime Scene/Evidence Sergeant, Detective, Certified Crime Scene Analyst, and Road Patrol Deputy. Prior to this, Joel worked as a Corrections Officer at Sumter Correctional from October 2003 to March 2007. Education pursuits include studies at St. Petersburg College since 2013 and attendance at Jacksonville University.
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.