ESTERO, Fla. — Albert “Shane” Sibert, a battalion chief with the Estero Fire Rescue, was arrested on Friday, September 26, following an investigation by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE).
Sibert is accused of embezzling more than $47,000 in government funds between June 2019 and May 2024. He allegedly used multiple credit cards issued by the Southwest Florida Urban Search & Rescue Task Force (USAR-TF-6), where he served as program manager from January 2018 to September 2024, to make personal purchases from Amazon, Storage King, and other retailers.
The FDLE investigation began in September 2024 after reports surfaced of Sibert’s misuse of USAR funds. Agents also uncovered that Sibert purchased spy cameras and a GPS tracker through the same Amazon account, which he allegedly used to secretly record individuals in private areas and share the footage without consent.
In January, FDLE executed search warrants at Sibert’s home, vehicle, and work office, seizing numerous items bought with USAR credit cards and various electronic devices. Following the searches, Estero Fire Rescue placed Sibert on paid administrative leave. Since then, he has been on personal leave using accrued time off.
Officials emphasized that Estero Fire Rescue was not the subject of the investigation and found no evidence of wrongdoing related to Sibert’s official fire department duties.
Sibert faces over 30 charges including grand theft, money laundering, aggravated stalking, eavesdropping, and digital voyeurism. The investigation remains active.
