Sumter County Sheriff's Office
Ronnie Murchinson-Rivera is an experienced law enforcement professional with a diverse background in public safety. Currently serving as a Deputy Sheriff at the Sumter County Sheriff's Office since April 2023, Murchinson-Rivera previously worked as an Emergency Dispatcher for the Orlando Police Department and as a Security Officer at Universal Orlando Resort. Prior experience includes serving as a Police Officer for the City of Mount Dora and holding leadership responsibilities as Chief Executive Officer at Rockaway Volunteer Ambulance Corps. Murchinson-Rivera has also worked as an EMT with TransCare and Senior Care EMS, providing critical care and transportation to patients. Educationally, Murchinson-Rivera is pursuing a Bachelor of Applied Science in Public Safety at Seminole State College of Florida, following an Associate of Science in Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement Administration and a Technical Degree in Emergency Medical Technology.
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.