Shane Sibert, a longtime leader at Estero Fire Rescue, is facing dozens of criminal charges, including fraud, stalking, and digital voyeurism, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) confirmed.
Sibert, 54, was arrested Friday in Cape Coral and released on bond Saturday. He faces 31 counts, ranging from first- and second-degree felonies to misdemeanors. According to FDLE, the investigation began in September 2024 after reports surfaced alleging that Sibert embezzled funds while serving as program manager for the Southwest Florida Urban Search & Rescue Task Force 6 (USAR TF-6), a position he held from January 2018 to September 2024.
Investigators say that between June 2019 and May 2024, Sibert used USAR-issued credit cards to spend more than $47,000 on personal expenses, including purchases from Amazon, Storage King, and other retailers. FDLE reports that he concealed these purchases in financial records submitted as part of his official duties.
The agency also states that Sibert used the same funds to purchase hidden cameras and a GPS tracker, allegedly to record individuals without their knowledge and track them unlawfully.
FDLE executed search warrants at Sibert’s North Fort Myers home and Estero Fire Rescue headquarters in January 2025. Agents collected multiple items tied to the alleged misuse of funds, including documents and electronic devices.
Neighbors described Sibert as a friendly, well-liked figure.
“On Friday and Saturday nights, we’ll go over there and have a beer. And I’ve met him over there a bunch of times, having a beer. Seems like a nice guy,” Tim Lindsay said.
Assistant Chief Mark Wahlig addressed the department’s stance following Sibert’s arrest.
“We were advised that Mr. Sibert had been arrested on Friday,” Wahlig said. “Today, we felt it was necessary to put out a press release reaffirming our position: he was placed on administrative leave with pay back in January, pending an internal review, and we found nothing internally regarding Estero Fire Rescue.”
Wahlig explained that the department and Sibert agreed to let him use accrued paid personal leave until it expires, after which he will no longer be employed with the department. The leave is expected to last until early March.
“It’s a tough situation for our organization and our team,” Wahlig said. “Many of our people have known him for years, not only here but across the area, so this has been difficult. We don’t necessarily understand all the charges, and we have questions too.”
He added, “Although he’s an employee here, these charges come from another organization, and as a firefighter in the state of Florida, he has protections and rights we must respect. It would just be better for us if we were able to kind of come to an amicable split, and that’s what we did.”
FDLE says the investigation remains active. Southwest Florida Urban Search and Rescue says they will continue to fully cooperate with the FDLE while they conduct their investigation.