Mayor Eric Adams is facing legal challenges on multiple fronts, as an unrelated sexual assault lawsuit filed against him last year threatens to overshadow his federal corruption case. Lorna Beach-Mathura, a former transit police officer, accused Adams of sexually assaulting her in 1993 and is seeking $5 million in damages. The case, filed under the state’s Adult Survivors Act, moved forward with Beach-Mathura recently appearing for a deposition after encountering delays and criticism from Adams’ attorneys.
The city’s Law Department is defending Adams in the sexual assault case, with high-profile attorney Alex Spiro initially involved before suddenly withdrawing in October. While Spiro’s abrupt departure raised eyebrows, the case is now being handled by Muriel Goode-Trufant, the city’s corporation counsel.
Beach-Mathura had attempted to make her allegations public in emails sent to Andrew Yang’s campaign and the New York Post during the mayoral race in 2021, providing details that mirrored her legal complaint. This attempt to share her story earlier could be crucial in establishing her credibility, especially since Adams’ attorneys have questioned her motives and mental state.
Despite the ongoing legal battle, with the two parties engaged in the discovery process, Adams maintains his innocence and has denied the allegations. As the lawsuit continues to unfold, it threatens to tarnish the mayor’s reputation and future re-election prospects, leading to potential consequences for both him and the city.
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