Overview
Sibert, a longtime leader and program manager for the Southwest Florida Urban Search and Rescue Task Force (which responds to disasters like hurricanes and is partially taxpayer-funded), faces 31 criminal charges. These include first- and second-degree felonies as well as misdemeanors, spanning five years of alleged misconduct. He is currently on extended personal leave from Estero Fire Rescue, out on bond, and was scheduled for arraignment on October 2, 2025 (a Monday following the article’s publication). As of the current date (October 4, 2025), no immediate updates on the arraignment outcome were found in initial searches, but ongoing coverage from WINK News and FDLE indicates the case is active.
Key Allegations and Details from the Report
The FDLE report uncovers a pattern of financial and personal crimes:
- Embezzlement and Fraud: Sibert allegedly misused task force credit cards to make $47,000 in personal purchases, concealing them in financial records. Charges include grand theft, scheme to defraud, and official misconduct. He reportedly blamed some purchases on his ex-wife and cited his divorce as an excuse during questioning.
- Stalking and Surveillance: Sibert is accused of aggravated stalking, 16 counts of unlawful interception of communications, and six counts of video voyeurism. He allegedly bought spy cameras and a GPS tracker to monitor his ex-wife without consent, recording her and tracking her vehicle. This led her to sell her car and obtain a restraining order.
The investigation expanded from the initial embezzlement tip to reveal these additional crimes, highlighting Sibert’s abuse of his position in a publicly funded role.
Background on Sibert and the Incident
Shane Sibert has been with Estero Fire Rescue for years, serving as a respected battalion chief and task force manager. The task force, which he oversaw, receives federal and state funding and collaborates with agencies like FDLE. The probe began after an anonymous tip about fund misuse in September 2024, leading to a raid on his North Fort Myers home in January 2025. Sibert’s personal life, including his divorce, appears intertwined with the allegations.
No quoted statements from Sibert, his representatives, or victims are in the main article, but FDLE’s press release emphasizes the betrayal of public trust.
Related coverage often features arrest photos or news clips showing Sibert in uniform or during apprehension.
Florida fire chief accused of spying, stalking, and stealing $47K in taxpayer funds
Related Links and Updates
- Original Arrest Coverage: https://www.winknews.com/estero-fire-rescue-battalion-chief-shane-sibert-arrested-on-multiple-charges/video_fa3287fb-d3ee-59a0-a2a7-82b0490b5479.html (Video-focused; no detailed text available).
- FDLE Press Release: https://www.fdle.state.fl.us/news/2025/september/fdle-arrests-estero-fire-rescue-battalion-chief-on-embezzlement-stalking-charges (Full charges list).
- Broader Coverage: Multiple outlets (e.g., Fox 4, Naples Daily News) report similar details, with no major discrepancies or resolutions as of October 4, 2025.
This case highlights issues of public trust in emergency services, with potential implications for Estero Fire Rescue’s operations. Further updates may emerge from court proceedings.
