Senator Dalya Attar goes from the history books to handcuffs

Integrity and character are essential to effective leadership—especially in the realm of public service. It is very disappointing to know this is how the representative of the 41st District chose to carry her office. Her actions show a lack of respect for the people she was elected to serve. On October 23rd, Dalya Attar, Joseph Attar, and Kalman Finklestein were indicted on eight charges and taken into federal custody.

Senate President Bill Ferguson released a statement saying that the Senate had no knowledge of her crimes and is unable to provide any additional information. The three individuals are accused of orchestrating a surveillance scheme targeting a former political consultant and the consultant’s alleged romantic partner. The consultant had worked on Attar’s previous campaign for the House of Delegates in 2018 and is believed to possess information that could be damaging to her current run for reelection. The trio allegedly planted hidden cameras inside an apartment used by the consultant, hoping to capture compromising footage that could ensure the consultant’s silence.

The placement of cameras inside smoke detectors and the illegal capture of footage earned the group eight charges, including conspiracy, extortion, interception and disclosure of electronic communications, and Travel Act violations. The investigation has been ongoing since 2022, and the charges were unsealed today. Direct statements from Dayla include the following:

“I think we have a very, very easy, on-our-end, simple way to very likely get her to just shut up and leave us alone.”

“She’s a smart lady and she knows how to screw with people … so, she has no reason to back down and to not screw with me, yet.”

“So I’m not saying we leak this anywhere or we ever do that, but I’m saying we warn her that if you do go ahead and screw with me, we are gonna leak it.”

Ayo Kimathi and his team were appalled to learn of this news and look forward to earning the Senate position through a fair and ethical campaign. He will continue to be an example of integrity and accountability as he pushes for better representation for the hardworking people of Maryland’s 41st District. The full indictment can be viewed at the link below.