Paralegal Stole $75K From Toms River Law Firm's Client, Prosecutor Says

TOMS RIVER, NJ — A paralegal for a Toms River law firm is accused of stealing more than $75,000 from one of the firm's clients, the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office said Thursday.

Marie Dibella, 58, of Berkeley Township, was charged Sept. 26 with unlawful taking, Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said, and turned herself in to Berkeley Township police on Tuesday.

Dibella is accused of using access she had to the client's personal and financial information to divert the client's money by writing checks to herself, to cash and to family members, the prosecutor's office said.

The thefts began in January 2023 and continued until August 2024, when the prosecutor's office began an investigation, authorities said.

The law firm was not identified.

Dibella also has worked a real estate agent but was not listed as an agent for any home sales in the last 12 months, according to Zillow.

Dibella was taken to the Ocean County Jail but has since been released pending future court appearances, the prosecutor's office said.