New York City’s Law Department has moved to withdraw from representing former Mayor Eric Adams in a civil lawsuit accusing him of sexual assault, citing new evidence in the case.
In a court filing Tuesday, Corporation Counsel Steve Banks indicated that the city determined Adams was not acting within the scope of his official duties at the time of the alleged incident, noting that, “he is not entitled to representation by the city in this matter.” Banks added that the Law Department has asked the court for permission to withdraw.
Follow us on X. Follow us on Instagram. Follow us on Facebook.
The decision comes under the administration of Mayor Zohran Mamdani, whose office emphasized that the mayor was not involved in the determination.
The lawsuit, filed in 2024 by Lorna Beach-Mathura, alleges that Adams sexually assaulted her in 1993 while both were employed by the New York Police Department (NYPD). According to the complaint, Beach-Mathura sought career assistance from Adams, who allegedly pressured her into a sexual act and engaged in further misconduct when she refused.
State Comptroller DiNapoli Reports NYC Spent $81K Per Homeless Person in FY 2025
Adams has denied the allegations. “It absolutely did not happen,” he previously asserted, adding that he does not recall meeting the accuser. A spokesperson for the former mayor maintained that he remains confident “the facts will ultimately prevail.”
The move reverses an earlier determination by former Corporation Counsel Sylvia Hinds-Radix, who had concluded the city was obligated to provide representation because Adams was employed by the NYPD at the time.
U.S. Expands Visa Bond Program to 12 More Countries, Requires Up to $15,000 for Entry
City law allows legal defense for employees only when alleged actions fall within official duties and comply with agency rules, giving the Corporation Counsel discretion in such cases.
The withdrawal also follows similar decisions to stop city-funded legal defense for other former officials facing misconduct allegations.
For more metro, national, and international news stories, visit newyorkvoicenews.com.
