Maryland Senator Dalya Attar Indicted on Federal Extortion and Wire-Tapping Charges

Maryland State Senator Dalya Attar has been indicted on eight federal criminal counts. The charges include conspiracy, extortion, and wire-tapping. This follows a lengthy investigation into her 2022 re-election campaign activities.

Federal prosecutors unsealed the indictment this week. It alleges a complex scheme to silence a critic using secretly recorded footage. The case has sent shockwaves through Maryland’s political establishment.

Details of the Federal Allegations

The indictment names Attar, her brother Joseph Attar, and Baltimore police officer Kalman Finkelstein as co-conspirators. They are accused of installing hidden cameras inside smoke detectors. Tracking devices were also allegedly placed on a vehicle.

This surveillance targeted a former political consultant and a married partner. According to Reuters, the scheme operated from January 2020 through July 2022. The goal was to obtain compromising footage.

That intimate footage was then used for blackmail. The indictment cites threatening messages from Joseph Attar. He allegedly promised to share the video with community leaders and family members unless the critic stopped speaking out against the senator.

Political Fallout and Legal Repercussions

The charges threaten a historic political career. Dalya Attar was the first Orthodox Jewish woman to serve in the Maryland Senate. Her appointment in January 2025 was seen as a milestone for representation.

Her platform focused on criminal justice and education. This sharp contrast with the charges makes the case particularly damaging. The Maryland Senate President’s office has acknowledged the arrest. They pledged to uphold ethical standards while the legal process unfolds.

Attar has publicly denied any knowledge of wrongdoing. She claims the case stems from a disgruntled former employee. She maintains her commitment to serving her Baltimore constituents.

If convicted on all counts, Attar faces a potential decades-long prison sentence. Legal experts suggest a trial date may be set in the coming months. Her future in politics now hangs in the balance.

The unfolding case against Senator Attar represents a significant test for Maryland’s political and legal systems. The serious nature of the federal indictment ensures close scrutiny. The final outcome will hinge on evidence presented in a court of law.

Thought you’d like to know

Who is Dalya Attar?

Dalya Attar is a Democratic Maryland State Senator representing Baltimore City’s 41st District. She was the first Orthodox Jewish woman appointed to the state Senate, a position she assumed in January 2025.

What are the specific charges she faces?

She faces eight federal counts, including conspiracy, extortion, and wire-tapping. The charges relate to an alleged blackmail scheme connected to her 2022 re-election campaign.

Who else was named in the indictment?

Her brother, Joseph Attar, and Baltimore Police Officer Kalman Finkelstein were also charged. They are accused of participating in the conspiracy to install surveillance equipment.

How has Attar responded to the charges?

She has denied any knowledge of illegal activities. Attar stated the case is based on allegations from a “disgruntled former employee” and that she will continue serving her district.

What is the potential penalty if convicted?

Each federal count carries a severe penalty. If convicted on all charges, she could face up to 20 years in prison per count, though any sentence would be determined by a judge.