UPDATE 1:03 p.m.:
FDLE has released more information about the arrested of Sibert.
The agency clarified his charges and said he is facing one count, each, of a scheme to defraud, grand theft, official misconduct, digital voyeurism dissemination, unlawful use of a tracking device, aggravated stalking, violation of injunction for protection against stalking, battery and money laundering. Sibert is also charged with 16 counts of unlawful interception of wire or oral communications and six counts of video voyeurism.
The investigation started in September 2024 when FDLE said it received allegations of embezzlement from the Southwest Florida Urban Search & Rescue Task Force (USAR). FDLE said Sibert was the program manager from January 2016 to September 2024.
According to a press release from FDLE, Sibert spent more than $47,000 on personal expenses from June 2019 and May 2024 using USAR credit cards. FDLE said he made purchases from Amazon, Storage King and other online retailers. Then, FDLE said Sibert would hide the purchases on financial records, which were submitted as part of his official duties.
USAR, according to the website, is a "multi-agency, multi-discipline search & rescue task force dedicated to serving the community of Southwest Florida, and its surrounding areas."
As FDLE investigated the allegations, agents said they found multiple spy or hidden cameras, and a GPS tracker bought on Amazon.
"The investigation revealed the Sibert used the GPS tracker unlawfully, placed hidden cameras in private areas, recorded individuals in those private locations without their knowledge or consent and disseminated those recordings without the knowledge or consent of the individuals recorded," the press release said.
However, it did not detail where those trackers were found or who he was tracking.
During the January 2025 search warrant at Sibert's home, FDLE said agents found several items purchased with USAR's credit cards. At Estero Fire Rescue, FDLE said agents seized several work-related and personal devices for forensic analysis.
ORIGINAL REPORTING:
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement arrested an Estero Fire Battalion Chief for several charges, including eavesdropping and fraud.
According to jail records, Albert Shane Sibert is charged with 17 counts of eavesdropping (illegal interception of communication), two counts of fraud and one count of grand theft.
Sibert is the Battalion Chief of Support Services, according to the fire department.
Back on January 29, 2025, FDLE served the fire rescue's headquarters a search warrant, according to a previous press release from Assistant Fire Chief Mark Wahlig.
"The warrant was specific to a single employee, their office, District issued equipment and the employee's personal property," the release said.
Wahlig said in a release on Monday that Sibert's home, personal car and work office were also searched by FDLE.
"The search warrant was related to an FDLE investigation involving Mr. Sibert’s prior employment with another agency," Wahlig said in the statement.
According to employee records Fox 4 received in a public records request, Sibert said in his employment application that he worked for the Lee County Sheriff's Office in the training division for 19 years. He also worked at Bonita Springs Fire Rescue as a deputy chief for 20 years.
Estero Fire Rescue placed Sibert on paid leave in January. In June, the Wahlig said Sibert was placed on paid personal leave and has been using his accrued personal time off.
"At no time has Estero Fire Rescue been the subject of an investigation, and no discrepancies or misconduct have been identified regarding Mr. Sibert’s official duties with Estero Fire Rescue," the statement said. "Estero Fire Rescue remains committed to transparency, accountability, and the trust of the community we serve."
Sibert was booked into the Lee County jail on Sept. 26 and is now out on bond.
Fox 4 has reached out to FDLE for more information about the arrest.
