Bayville Paralegal Stole $75K From Firm's Client: Prosecutor

BERKELEY, NJ — A Bayville woman is accused of stealing more than $75,000 from a client represented by a Toms River law firm where she worked as a paralegal, the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office said.

Marie Dibella, 58, was charged with theft by unlawful taking in connection with the incidents spanning January 2023 to August 2024, Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said.

An investigation was launched in August 2024. Dibella, a paralegal at an unnamed Toms River law firm, gained access to the client's personal and financial information, Billhimer said.

Dibella has also worked as real estate agent, online records show.

During the aforementioned time period, Dibella diverted the victim's money for her own personal use and benefit by writing checks to herself, to cash and to family members, totaling more than $75,000, Billhimer said.

She was charged on Sept. 26 and turned herself in on Sept. 30, Billhimer said. Dibella was taken to Ocean County Jail and released pending future appearances in Ocean County Superior Court.