Former Estero Fire battalion chief sentenced for $47K public funds theft, stalking, recording ex

A former Estero Fire Rescue battalion chief was sentenced to five years in prison Thursday after pleading no contest to charges stemming from the theft of more than $47,000 in public funds and the stalking of his ex-wife.According to the Office of the State Attorney, Albert Shane Siebert, 55, was adjudicated guilty of second-degree grand theft, aggravated stalking, violating Florida's wiretap law, installing a tracking device without consent and domestic violence battery. He was sentenced to a total of five years in prison followed by 10 years of probation.MORE: Estero fire battalion chief faces 30-plus charges, including voyeurism and money launderingThe case began after the Florida Department of Law Enforcement launched an investigation in September 2024 following reports that Siebert had embezzled money from the Southwest Florida Urban Search and Rescue Task Force, where he served as program manager from January 2018 through September 2024.Investigators said Siebert used multiple task force-issued credit cards to make more than $47,000 in personal purchases between June 2019 and May 2024. According to FDLE, he concealed those purchases in financial records submitted as part of his official duties.The State Attorney's Office said Siebert was also a battalion chief with Estero Fire Rescue. Prosecutors said he used agency credit cards to purchase tracking devices and cameras that investigators determined were later used to stalk his ex-wife.According to FDLE, investigators also discovered hidden cameras and a GPS tracking device purchased through the same Amazon account. Authorities said the devices were used to secretly record the victim without her consent. Prosecutors said investigators also uncovered nonconsensual audio and video recordings of the victim and discovered an incident of domestic violence during the investigation.VIDEO: PREVIOUS COVERAGEIn January 2025, FDLE agents searched Siebert's home, personal vehicle and office at Estero Fire Rescue. Investigators said they recovered numerous items purchased with Urban Search and Rescue credit cards along with work-related and personal electronic devices.At the time, Estero Fire Rescue said Siebert had been placed on administrative leave with pay after the searches and later used accrued personal leave. The department also said it was not the subject of the investigation and that no discrepancies or misconduct were identified involving Siebert's official duties with Estero Fire Rescue.The State Attorney's Office said Siebert was ordered to pay $47,103 in restitution to Southwest Florida Urban Search and Rescue, and that the restitution has been paid in full.Economic Crime Unit Chief J.D. Miller and Assistant State Attorney Michael Curley prosecuted the case.DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment and original programming on your TV