BALTIMORE, MD – Maryland State Senator Dalia Atar, along with her brother and a Baltimore City police officer, faces federal charges of extortion and conspiracy. The charges, stemming from an alleged scheme dating back to 2020, involve accusations of breaking into a former political consultant’s home to install cameras and record an affair.
Senator Atar, recently appointed to the state senate after serving six years as a delegate, denies any wrongdoing. The indictment has prompted scrutiny of her appointment process. The allegations suggest that Atar, her brother Joseph, and Officer Calman Finkelstein conspired to blackmail the consultant during Atar’s 2022 re-election campaign.
Prosecutors allege the trio used tracking devices on the consultant’s vehicle and secretly recorded her. They reportedly threatened to expose the footage and interfere with matchmaking for the consultant’s daughter. The indictment includes text messages where Atar allegedly suggested the video could be used to intimidate the consultant.
In December 2021, Joseph Atar allegedly approached the man involved with the consultant, threatening to release the video unless certain conditions were met. Finkelstein, who was initially suspended with pay during the investigation, is now suspended without pay.
Atar has expressed her intention to contest the charges, describing the case as rooted in allegations by a disgruntled former employee. She maintains that there is no evidence linking her to any illicit activities.
Political analyst John Dei notes that Atar’s political future is uncertain as she faces a primary challenge from Delegate Malcolm Ruff. Atar’s attorney, Jeff Ifra, criticized the consultant, labeling her as unstable and vindictive. Ifra expressed readiness to resolve the case before trial but is prepared to fight the charges if necessary.
The unfolding case raises questions about Atar’s political trajectory and the impact of these serious allegations.