Eric Adams aide suspended from campaign after being accused of giving money to reporter

New York City Mayor Eric Adams’ campaign reported that it had suspended one of his aides, Winnie Greco, after she was accused of giving a reporter a bag of potato chips filled with cash.

According to reports, after a campaign rally in Harlem, Greco gave reporter Katie Honan of The City an open bag of chips. Inside was a red envelope containing at least one $100 bill and several $20 bills.

The City reported that its City Hall reporter spotted Greco near the announcement of the opening of Adams’ new campaign office in Harlem. The outlet said Greco texted the reporter to arrange a meeting.

They then went to the nearby Whole Foods. Inside, the Democratic mayor’s aide allegedly handed Honan the open, crumpled bag of potato chips. According to the report, Honan, thinking it contained food, told her he didn’t want to keep the package, but Greco insisted.

"Before entering a nearby subway station, Honan opened the bag and discovered a red envelope inside stuffed with cash, at least one $100 bill and several $20 bills. The reporter then called Greco and told her she could not accept the money and asked if she was still nearby so she could give it back. Greco said she’d left the area. Honan told her she had to take the money back, and Greco said they could meet at some point in Chinatown," The City reported.

After being asked by The City about the situation, Greco said it was a mistake and apologized. Subsequently, both Greco, who is of Chinese descent, and her lawyer described it as a cultural misunderstanding.

"I assure you that Winnie’s intent was purely innocent. In the Chinese culture, money is often given to others in a gesture of friendship and gratitude. Winnie is apologetic and embarrassed by any negative impression or confusion this may have caused," said Greco's lawyer, Steven Brill.

For his part, EriC Adams' campaign spokesman Todd Shapiro reported that Greco was immediately suspended from the campaign:

"Winnie Grecco [sic] holds no position in this campaign and has been suspended from all VOLUNTEER campaign-related activities. Mayor Adams had no prior knowledge of this matter. He has always demanded the highest ethical and legal standards, and his sole focus remains on serving the people of New York City with integrity," Shapiro said.