Maryland Democratic State Sen. Dalya Attar, who has served as Baltimore’s 41st district state senator since January, is facing federal charges.

Attar is charged with extortion and conspiracy. Her brother Joseph, who is a real estate developer, and Kalman Finkelstein who the Baltimore Banner identified as a city police officer, are also charged with spying on a political consultant to prevent him from working for a political rival.

Maryland Senate President Bill Ferguson’s office told WBAL NewsRadio that this is the first they have been made aware of the case. They declined further comment, except to say the Senate holds its members to the highest ethical standards.

This report will be updated.

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