Maryland State Senator Dalya Attar was arrested last week on federal extortion and conspiracy charges, following an indictment by a grand jury on October 23. The 35-year-old lawmaker is accused of conducting a clandestine operation to record two political adversaries in private, potentially compromising situations, and subsequently threatening them with public exposure unless they refrained from challenging her politically.
The case, as detailed by prosecutors, involves hidden cameras and tracking devices being surreptitiously installed by Senator Attar. Devices were camouflaged as smoke detectors to record a political consultant and a married man without their consent. Additionally, a tracker was placed on a vehicle. According to court documents, Attar is alleged to have used the acquired footage as leverage, cautioning the individuals to "leave Dalya alone" or suffer the consequences of public disgrace.
The indictment specifies that Attar feared the political consultant in question would negatively impact her reputation and voting record within the Jewish community. In a defensive move, Attar purportedly sought to preempt any such damage by resorting to blackmail. This was further intensified when her reelection campaign began in late 2021. Reports indicate that Attar's brother approached one of the victims, threatening to release "hours" of personal footage.
Two alleged accomplices, Joseph Attar and Baltimore police officer Kalman Finkelstein, have also been charged in connection with the case. Furthermore, four additional unnamed individuals are believed to be linked to the plot.
The office of Maryland Senate President Bill Ferguson has expressed that this is the first knowledge they have of Attar's arrest and emphasized that the Senate holds its members to the highest ethical standards. Despite the charges, Senator Attar maintains her innocence and attributes the allegations to a vindictive ex-staff member. Attar has vowed to continue serving her constituency with integrity, highlighting her dedication to transparency and community service.
As the investigation continues, the scandal has sent shockwaves through Maryland's political landscape, prompting discussions about ethical conduct and potential corruption within the Democratic Party's ranks. The unfolding story has also garnered attention as it coincides with Democratic criticisms of President Trump's administration over corruption claims.
