TOMS RIVER – A Bayville woman has been charged with stealing more than $75,000 while working as a paralegal at a Toms River law firm, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced.
Marie Dibella, 58, was charged September 26 with theft by unlawful taking following an investigation by the Prosecutor’s Office Economic Crime Squad. Authorities said Dibella had access to a client’s financial records through her work and diverted funds for her own use between January 2023 and August 2024.
According to investigators, Dibella wrote checks to herself, to cash, and to family members during that time, totaling over $75,000.
On September 30, Dibella surrendered to Berkeley Township Police. She was taken to the Ocean County Jail and later released pending a court appearance.
Billhimer credited the Economic Crime Squad for its work on the case.
Officials noted that the charge is an accusation, and Dibella is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
