Maryland State Senator Indicted on Federal Extortion Charges

Maryland State Senator Dalya Attar, along with her brother Joseph Attar and Baltimore police officer Kalman Finkelstein, has been indicted on federal charges including extortion and conspiracy related to a 2022 campaign. The indictment alleges they conspired to silence a former political consultant by secretly filming her in a compromising situation and threatening to release the video to prevent negative commentary about Attar's campaign, particularly within the Orthodox Jewish community. The recording was reportedly made using disguised devices in an apartment connected to Finkelstein's family. Senator Attar has denied knowledge of any illegal actions, attributing the allegations to a "disgruntled employee," and has expressed a commitment to transparency. The case has drawn attention from Maryland Senate leadership, who emphasized ethical standards while awaiting further details. All three accused were released on conditions including surrendering their passports pending legal proceedings.