Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on September 26, 2025, Marie Dibella, 58, of Bayville, was charged with Theft by Unlawful Taking in connection with a series of incidents that occurred between January 2023 and August 2024.
An investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Economic Crime Squad commencing in August 2024 revealed that Dibella was employed as a paralegal at a local law firm in Toms River that represented the victim. In her capacity as a paralegal at the law firm, Dibella gained access to the victim’s financial and personal information. Further investigation revealed that beginning in January 2023 through August 2024, Dibella diverted monies belonging to the victim for her own personal use and benefit by writing checks to herself, to cash, and to family members – exceeding $75,000.
On September 26, 2025, Dibella was charged with the offense as referenced above. On September 30, 2025, Dibella surrendered herself to Berkeley Township Police Headquarters; she was transported to the Ocean County Jail and subsequently released pending future appearances in Ocean County Superior Court.
Prosecutor Billhimer commends the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Economic Crime Squad for their efforts in connection with this investigation.
The charges referenced above are merely accusations and the press and public are reminded that all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
R.P.C. 3.6(b)(6).