By: Najla Alexander
Authorities in Ocean County announced that on September 26, 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.
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer stated that 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, OCPO officials say. 
Further investigation revealed that, from January 2023 to August 2024, Dibella diverted funds belonging to the victim for her own personal use and benefit by writing checks to herself, cash, and to family members, exceeding $75,000, OCPO officials said.
According to Ocean County officials, on September 26, Dibella was charged with the offense as referenced above.
Ocean County authorities stated that on September 30, 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.