Bayville woman charged with theft after allegedly diverting $75K from law firm client
TOMS RIVER, NJ — A 58-year-old Bayville woman has been charged with theft after prosecutors say she diverted more than $75,000 from a law firm client while working as a paralegal, according to the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office.
Investigators said Marie Dibella, employed at a Toms River law firm, used her position to access the victim’s personal and financial information. Between January 2023 and August 2024, Dibella allegedly wrote checks to herself, to cash, and to family members using the victim’s funds.
The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Economic Crime Squad began investigating in August 2024, uncovering the alleged scheme. On September 26, 2025, Dibella was formally charged with theft by unlawful taking.
Dibella surrendered to Berkeley Township Police Headquarters on September 30. She was then transported to the Ocean County Jail before being released pending future appearances in Ocean County Superior Court.
Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer credited the Economic Crime Squad for its work on the case.
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The charges are accusations, and Dibella is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
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Key Points
- Prosecutors say paralegal Marie Dibella diverted over $75,000 from a law firm client
- She allegedly wrote checks to herself, cash, and family members between January 2023 and August 2024
- Dibella surrendered to police and was released pending court proceedings