Sumter County Sheriff's Office
Michael King has extensive experience in law enforcement and military service, currently serving as a Corporal at Sumter County Sheriff's Office since February 2016 and holding the position of Staff Sergeant in the South Carolina Army National Guard since October 2015. Previously, Michael King was a Lieutenant at Bishopville Police Department and has held various roles including Sergeant and Specialist in the SC Army National Guard, where responsibilities included transportation coordination and SINGARS repair. Michael King's law enforcement career spans from 1996, with significant positions at the SC Department of Corrections and as a Master Patrolman at the City of Bishopville. A veteran of the United States Marine Corps, Michael King completed training at multiple academies, earning certifications in law enforcement and supervision.
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.