Maryland State Senator Dalya Attar (D) faces federal charges of extortion and conspiracy following accusations that she secretly recorded political opponents and used the footage for blackmail. The indictment, which was filed on October 23, details incidents leading up to the 2020 and 2022 election campaigns.
The allegations describe that Senator Attar, aged 35, alongside her brother Joseph Attar and Baltimore City police officer Kalman Finkelstein, as well as four unnamed individuals, engaged in a covert operation to silence her critics. Prosecutors assert that they installed hidden cameras and a tracking device in an apartment temporarily vacated by a political consultant, who, along with a married man, became the targets of this scheme.
Court documents reveal that the surveillance equipment, disguised as household items like smoke detectors, was used to obtain compromising footage. In one instance, Joseph Attar reportedly threatened to distribute the recordings within the Jewish community, potentially impacting personal affairs, such as the consultant’s daughter’s matchmaking process.
As the first Orthodox Jewish woman to serve in the Maryland Senate, Dalya Attar's political career commenced with her 2019 appointment to a vacant seat. She quickly became a notable figure, engaging in community-focused initiatives and support for local education and business sectors. This indictment, however, threatens to cast a shadow over her achievements and could impose severe legal repercussions.
Senator Attar, who is currently detained along with her co-accused, has been involved in a competitive re-election campaign for Baltimore City’s District 41. The charges add to the already heightened political tension of this election cycle.
The Maryland Senate, led by Senate President Bill Ferguson, has responded to the indictment affirming their dedication to ethical standards. Senator Ferguson's office released a statement reinforcing this commitment as the case unfolds. Furthermore, Officer Finkelstein has been suspended from his police duties in light of the allegations.
The case has garnered nationwide attention due to the unusual nature of the alleged crimes and the stature of the accused state legislator. As the legal process continues, the impact on Dalya Attar's political future and her influence in Maryland politics remains uncertain.
