Adams then allegedly told Beach-Mathura that he could help her with her promotion, but that he also needed "some help" from her, according to the lawsuit. Beach-Mathura claims in the lawsuit that Adams then demanded oral sex from her, which she refused. In response, Adams allegedly exposed himself and began masturbating in front of her, the lawsuit states. Beach-Mathura says she was frightened not only by Adams' conduct but also because she knew he had a loaded gun in the car as a police officer.

After the alleged incident, Beach-Mathura says she sought help from the Guardians Association for a promotion but never received any assistance. She left New York City in 1994 and is now working as a public school teacher in Florida. The lawsuit states that she told numerous people about the alleged assault over the years but never formally reported it out of fear of retaliation from Adams and the Guardians.

Adams has denied the allegations, with the city's corporation counsel, Sylvia O. Hinds-Radix, calling the claims "ludicrous." The case was brought under the New York Adult Survivors Act, which extends the time limit for bringing sexual assault lawsuits. The woman first filed a legal summons in November, just before the law's expiration, but did not provide details about the alleged assault at that time.

The lawsuit adds to the legal troubles facing Adams, who is already under investigation by the FBI for allegedly helping the Turkish government circumvent fire codes to build a diplomatic facility. Adams has denied any wrongdoing in that case as well. The lawsuit seeks $5 million in damages for sexual assault, battery, employment gender discrimination, retaliation, a hostile work environment, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. Beach-Mathura's lawyer, Megan Goddard, said her client believes that sexual abusers must be held accountable, regardless of their status.