Former NYC Mayor Aide Accused of Giving Reporter Cash in Potato Chip Bag

Alleged Bribery Attempt

• 💡 A former adviser to Mayor Adams, Winnie Greco, has been removed as a volunteer from his re-election campaign.
• 🎯 This action follows allegations that Greco handed journalist Katie Honan a red envelope filled with cash, concealed inside a potato chip bag.
• 📌 The incident reportedly occurred after a campaign event for the mayor in Harlem.

Reporter's Account and Response

• 💬 Honan, a reporter for The City, stated that Greco insisted she take the chip bag after they chatted.
• 💰 Upon opening the bag, Honan discovered money and immediately informed her editor and alerted Greco that she could not accept the cash.
• ✅ Honan and her editors subsequently notified the city's Department of Investigation, which has collected the bag and its contents.

Greco's Defense and Campaign's Stance

• 🎭 Greco's attorney claims the gesture was an innocuous show of goodwill, common in Asian culture, and not nefarious.
• ❓ The reporter questioned the intent behind using a potato chip bag for such a gesture.
• 🚫 A spokesperson for the Adams campaign confirmed Greco holds no official position and has been suspended from all volunteer activities.

Background and Investigation

• 🔍 Greco was a former fundraiser and director of Asian affairs for Adams, resigning last year amid a federal corruption probe.
• ⚠️ The Department of Investigation has confirmed receipt of the allegations but declined further comment.