Maryland State Senator Dalya Attar Indicted on Federal Extortion and Conspiracy Charges in Alleged Blackmail Scheme

Maryland State Senator Dalya Attar, a Democrat representing Baltimore City, was indicted and arrested on federal charges including extortion, conspiracy, and electronic communications violations related to an alleged blackmail scheme against a former political consultant critical of her. The indictment details a multi-year effort involving hidden recording devices placed in the consultant's home to capture compromising footage, which was then used to threaten and silence criticism, particularly ahead of the 2022 election. Attar's co-defendants include her brother, Joseph Attar, and Baltimore Police Officer Kalman Finkelstein, whose police powers were suspended in 2022 pending investigation. The allegations raise serious concerns about corruption, abuse of law enforcement connections, and ethical misconduct within Maryland politics. Senate leadership expressed surprise and emphasized high ethical standards as the situation develops. If convicted, Attar faces potential prison time and removal from office, underscoring ongoing issues of political accountability in the state.