Sumter County Sheriff's Office
Matthew Schauer is a Deputy Sheriff at the Sumter County Sheriff's Office since March 2019, bringing valuable law enforcement experience. Prior roles include Camera Electrician at Southern Vac from July 2016 to August 2018 and Awards and Decorations Monitor at Alutiiq, LLC from August 2014 to June 2016. Matthew also served in the United States Air Force from June 2007 to June 2014 as an armament load crew member, responsible for testing and calibrating aircraft weapon systems, as well as loading and unloading munitions. Educational qualifications include a Bachelor of Applied Science in Forensic Science and Technology from Midlands Technical College (2018-2022) and an Associate's Degree in Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians from ITT Technical Institute-Columbia (2015-2017).
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.