Maryland State Senator Dalya Attar is publicly contesting federal charges leveled against her, her brother Joseph, and Baltimore police officer Kalman Finkelstein, labeling them as fabricated claims stemming from a disgruntled former campaign consultant. In a letter addressed to the Baltimore community, Senator Attar, whose political career spans six years in the Maryland House before her recent appointment to the Senate, asserts that the allegations detailed in the indictment are completely false.
The indictment accuses Attar and her associates of conspiracy and extortion, primarily centering on claims that they secretly monitored the former consultant’s activities and even recorded her in a compromising situation. According to court documents, they allegedly installed cameras disguised as smoke detectors in her apartment for this purpose. Attar has denied these allegations vigorously, stating that the video in question was recorded legally in a public setting and cannot form the basis of an extortion claim.
In her letter, Attar expressed her distress over a six-year campaign of harassment and threats that she claims followed the termination of the consultant, describing the situation as a “nightmare” that endangered her family’s safety. She contends that the consultant has a troubling history, including a series of restraining orders, which she argues diminishes the credibility of the claims being made against her.
Andrew White, a federal criminal defense attorney not associated with the case, remarked on the complexity of the situation, stressing that while the nature of the allegations may seem shocking, establishing the senator’s knowledge regarding the alleged actions will be crucial to the prosecution’s case. Attar remains steadfast, asserting her dedication to serving her constituents and emphasizing her belief that the truth will ultimately prevail.
In a message shared on Facebook, Senator Attar conveyed her commitment to fighting against the accusations and her intention to continue her work for the community she represents. This incident highlights the ongoing challenges political figures face, especially those involving complex personal disputes that can devolve into legal battles, but it also underlines the importance of transparency and due process in addressing such significant allegations.