Maryland Sen. Dalya Attar Pleads Not Guilty to Federal Extortion Charges

December 1, 2025

Maryland State Senator Dalya Attar, along with her brother and a Baltimore police officer, entered not guilty pleas to federal charges involving an alleged conspiracy to surveil and extort a former campaign consultant from her 2018 election. Prosecutors claim the group used hidden tracking devices and concealed cameras to record intimate activities and threatened to release compromising footage. Attar maintains she was actually the victim of prolonged harassment and that any recordings were obtained legally as part of defending her family.

Who is affected

Maryland Sen. Dalya Attar (D-District 41)
Joseph "Yossi" Attar (her brother)
Baltimore Police Officer Kalman Finklestein
A former campaign consultant who worked for Attar's 2018 campaign
Maryland Senate constituents of District 41
Maryland legislative leadership (including Senate President Bill Ferguson)

What action is being taken

All three defendants have pleaded not guilty to the federal charges
Attar continues to serve in the state Senate
Senate President Bill Ferguson and legislative leaders are awaiting further information on the indictment
Officer Finklestein remains suspended from active policing duties (since 2022)

Why it matters

This case involves serious federal criminal allegations against a sitting state senator, raising questions about ethics and standards for elected officials in Maryland. The charges involve abuse of surveillance technology and alleged blackmail, which undermines public trust in government representatives. Additionally, the case highlights concerns about law enforcement officer conduct, as one of the defendants is a Baltimore police officer, further affecting public confidence in institutions meant to serve and protect citizens.

What's next

Senate President Bill Ferguson and Maryland Senate leadership will continue learning more about the alleged facts in the indictment before determining any additional actions
The special election process is underway, with Attar, Black nationalist activist Ayo Kimathi, and Del. Malcolm Ruff having filed or announced intent to run for the District 41 Senate seat

Read full article from source: The Washington Informer