SUN: Federal judge dismisses 6 charges in Dalya Attar extortion case

MARYLAND (WBFF) — A federal judge on Friday dismissed six of the eight charges against Maryland state Sen. Dalya Attar, ruling that the conduct alleged by prosecutors does not meet the legal definition of extortion.

In a court filing, U.S. District Judge Stephanie Gallagher dismissed two extortion counts and four counts alleging violations of the Travel Act against the Baltimore Democrat. The ruling also threw out the same extortion and Travel Act charges against Attar’s brother, Joseph Attar, and Baltimore Police Officer Kalman Finkelstein.

The decision reduces the number of charges against each defendant from eight to two. All three still face conspiracy and unlawful interception and disclosure of a wire, oral or electronic communication charges.

Federal prosecutors have alleged that Dayla, Joseph, and Finkelstein participated in a blackmail and intimidation scheme targeting Dalya’s former political consultant. Investigators contend Dalya Attar worked with her brother and Finkelstein to obtain footage showing the consultant and a married man together in bed and then used the material as leverage to prevent political damage to her campaigns.

Read the full story on The Baltimore Sun.