NORTH FORT MYERS, Fla. – The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) has arrested Albert “Shane” Sibert, 54, of North Fort Myers, following a wide-ranging investigation that uncovered financial crimes, illegal surveillance, and personal misconduct. Sibert faces multiple felony charges, including a 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 communications and six counts of video voyeurism.
The investigation began in September 2024 when FDLE’s Fort Myers office received reports that Sibert, then a Battalion Chief with Estero Fire Rescue, had embezzled funds from the Southwest Florida Urban Search & Rescue (USAR) Task Force 6. Sibert had served as the task force’s program manager from January 2018 through September 2024.
According to FDLE, from June 2019 to May 2024, Sibert used multiple USAR-issued credit cards to spend more than $47,000 on personal items. Investigators say the purchases included goods from Amazon, Storage King, and various retailers, which Sibert allegedly used for his own benefit. To conceal the theft, Sibert reportedly falsified financial records as part of his official duties.
While investigating the financial crimes, FDLE agents also discovered evidence of more disturbing conduct. Using the same Amazon account tied to the fraudulent purchases, Sibert allegedly bought hidden cameras and a GPS tracker. Investigators determined that Sibert used these devices unlawfully — placing hidden cameras in private areas and recording individuals without their knowledge or consent. He is also accused of disseminating those recordings.
On January 29, 2025, FDLE agents executed search warrants at Sibert’s residence and at Estero Fire Rescue headquarters. Investigators seized several items purchased with USAR credit cards, along with electronic devices believed to contain evidence of voyeurism and financial misconduct.
Sibert was arrested on September 26 in Cape Coral and booked into the Lee County Jail.
FDLE officials said the case highlights a severe breach of public trust by a former fire department leader entrusted with taxpayer funds and public safety responsibilities. The State Attorney’s Office for the 20th Judicial Circuit is prosecuting the case.
The investigation remains active as forensic analysis of seized devices continues.
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