Motion to Dismiss Exposes Case Against Sen. Dalya Attar As Baseless

BALTIMORE (VINnews) — Attorneys for a Maryland state lawmaker asked a federal judge Monday to dismiss several charges in an extortion case, arguing the prosecution is based on allegations unsupported by evidence and fails to meet the legal standard required under federal law.

In a motion filed in U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, lawyers for Sen. Dalya Attar said the government’s case is built on “zero evidence” and does not allege any attempt to obtain money, property, or anything of transferable economic value — a required element of extortion.

The motion argues the case stems from an effort by Attar and her family to stop what they describe as years of harassment by a former employee, not from any attempt to extort financial gain. Defense attorneys note that the indictment itself does not allege that Attar or the other defendants sought money or property at any point.

The filing also challenges the government’s reliance on an alleged “illegal video,” stating prosecutors cannot produce such a recording and have acknowledged they do not possess it. According to the motion, the government has failed to identify a specific video, image, or file that was allegedly created, shown, or distributed.

The motion further states that the accuser’s partner illegally recorded a conversation with Attar’s brother and provided that recording to law enforcement. According to the defense, prosecutors are now relying on that recording to suggest the existence of a separate illegal video allegedly made by Attar — a video the government admits it cannot locate, identify, or confirm exists.

Defense attorneys argue that without a tangible item or identifiable evidence, the government’s theory amounts to accusations rather than proof. They cite Supreme Court precedent holding that attempts to influence behavior — without seeking money or property — constitute coercion, not extortion.

The motion asks the court to dismiss the challenged counts entirely, arguing the case should never have been brought. The judge has not yet ruled, and prosecutors are expected to respond.