Maryland (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Baltimore City State Senator Dalya Attar has been arrested and indicted on federal extortion and conspiracy charges for secretly filming two of her political rivals in bed together and threatening to release the footage to silence them. The indictment alleges a coordinated scheme involving surveillance devices and threats to suppress criticism.
Allegations Against Senator Dalya Attar
Baltimore City State Senator Dalya Attar, a Democrat representing District 41, made history as the first Orthodox Jewish woman elected to the Maryland Senate in January 2025. However, her political career is now overshadowed by serious criminal charges.
As reported by WBFF and ABC6 On Your Side, Attar was indicted on eight counts on October 23, 2025. Court documents allege that the 35-year-old planted tracking and recording devices on two rivals, including secretly filming them in bed together. The footage was then used as leverage to intimidate and silence the victims, one of whom was a political consultant filmed with a married man.
Attar allegedly threatened to release the video unless the victims agreed not to speak out against her publicly. The indictment states that she conspired with multiple co-defendants, including Joseph Attar and Kalman Finkelstein, who were also taken into federal custody.
Details of the Covert Surveillance Scheme
The scheme reportedly began in January 2020 when the political consultant stayed in an apartment owned by a co-defendant’s family. According to prosecutors, Attar’s brother and co-conspirators broke into the unit and installed concealed cameras disguised as smoke detectors and a tracking device on the consultant’s car.
Documents indicate that in March 2021, threats were made to release the footage unless the consultant ceased opposition to Attar. Further communications in late 2021 indicate that Attar’s team coordinated attempts to use the recorded material as a political weapon.
Political Fallout and Reactions
Senate President Bill Ferguson’s office acknowledged being informed of Attar’s arrest but provided no further comment. Ferguson emphasised the Maryland Senate’s commitment to holding members to the highest ethical standards.
Baltimore Police Commissioner Richard Worley also spoke on the indictment of the co-defendants but declined to elaborate publicly.
The scandal has prompted concern regarding abuse of power and political intimidation tactics within local government, raising questions about trust and accountability.
Background of Senator Attar
Dalya Attar’s rise to office was seen as groundbreaking, representing an Orthodox Jewish woman’s increasing political representation. However, sources say her relationship with the political consultant deteriorated after the 2018 election due to disagreements, setting the stage for targeted hostility.
The arrest and indictment mark a drastic fall from grace and a major legal challenge for Attar as she faces federal prosecution.
Legal Proceedings and Next Steps
Attar faces a federal indictment encompassing extortion, conspiracy, and illegal surveillance offences. The case is being handled by U.S. federal prosecutors, with forthcoming court dates expected.
Her co-defendants remain in custody as the investigation continues to uncover the full extent of the conspiracy. Attar’s legal team has yet to comment publicly.
The trial will likely examine issues surrounding privacy violations, political corruption, and attempts to intimidate critics through unlawful means.
Broader Implications
This case highlights troubling concerns about the use of covert surveillance and intimidation tactics in political conflicts. Legal analysts warn it could prompt calls for tighter regulations and scrutiny of political campaigns and officials.
The Maryland case may set a precedent for handling similar allegations of abuse of power and unethical behaviour within public office.
Brussels Morning is a daily online newspaper based in Belgium. BM publishes unique and independent coverage on international and European affairs. With a Europe-wide perspective, BM covers policies and politics of the EU, significant Member State developments, and looks at the international agenda with a European perspective.
