Florida fire chief accused of spying, stalking, and stealing $47K in taxpayer funds
ESTERO, Fla. (CBS12) — A high-ranking fire official in Southwest Florida is facing a staggering list of criminal charges after state investigators say he embezzled tens of thousands of dollars, secretly recorded people with hidden cameras, and stalked individuals using GPS trackers.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) announced on Monday that Albert “Shane” Sibert, 54, a Battalion Chief with Estero Fire Rescue, was arrested by authorities on September 26 in Cape Coral.
Sibert faces one count each of scheme to defraud, grand theft, official misconduct, digital voyeurism dissemination, unlawful use of a tracking device, aggravated stalking, violation of an injunction for protection against stalking, battery, and money laundering. He also faces 16 counts of unlawful interception of wire or oral communications and six counts of video voyeurism, according to the news release.
FDLE said its investigation began in September 2024 after receiving a report alleging Sibert had embezzled funds from the Southwest Florida Urban Search & Rescue Task Force (USAR TF-6), where he served as program manager from January 2018 to September 2024.
Between June 2019 and May 2024, Sibert allegedly used multiple USAR-issued credit cards to make more than $47,000 in personal purchases. FDLE said items were bought from Amazon, Storage King, and other retailers, then concealed in official financial records submitted as part of his duties.
Investigators said they also uncovered hidden cameras and a GPS tracker purchased through the same Amazon account. FDLE agents say Sibert placed surveillance devices in private areas, recorded individuals without their consent, and distributed the footage without their knowledge.
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On January 29, FDLE agents executed search warrants at Sibert’s residence, photographing and seizing numerous items purchased with USAR credit cards. A separate search at Estero Fire Rescue led to the seizure of both personal and work-related devices for forensic analysis.
Sibert was booked into the Lee County Jail following his arrest. The case is being prosecuted by the State Attorney’s Office for the 20th Judicial Circuit. FDLE says the investigation remains active.
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