Winnie Greco, a former senior adviser to New York City Mayor Eric Adams, has been suspended from volunteering on his reelection campaign following a widely reported incident in which she handed cash to a local journalist.
Greco, who resigned last October after an FBI raid on her Bronx residence, has once again drawn public attention amid questions about her role within Adams’ political circle.
The encounter occurred when Greco approached Katie Honan, a reporter for The City, outside Adams’ Harlem campaign office.
After texting Honan to meet across the street at a TD Bank, the two went to a nearby Whole Foods, where Greco offered what appeared to be a bag of potato chips.
Honan later discovered a red envelope inside containing at least one $100 bill and several $20 bills, the New York Post reports.
Greco addressed the incident directly with Honan, describing it as an unintentional mistake.
“I make a mistake. I’m so sorry. It’s a culture thing. I don’t know. I don’t understand. I’m so sorry, I feel so bad right now. I’m so sorry, honey,” she said.
She also emphasized that her actions were intended to foster friendship.
“I just wanted to be her friend. It’s nothing.”
Attorney Steven Brill defended Greco, noting that the gesture reflected a culturally common practice.
“I can see how this looks strange,” he said. “But 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.”
Brill’s comments underline the potential for cultural misunderstandings in evaluating the situation.
The Adams campaign suspended Greco’s volunteer activities immediately following the incident.
“We are shocked by these reports. Winnie Greco holds no position in this campaign and has been suspended from all VOLUNTEER campaign-related activities,” spokesperson Todd Shapiro said.
He added that Adams had no prior knowledge and remains committed to maintaining the highest ethical standards.
Greco’s past scrutiny by federal authorities adds context to the incident.
She resigned after an FBI raid connected to alleged improper campaign fundraising, including supervising “straw” donations to reimburse supporters.
No charges were filed, but her prior involvement in high-profile investigations contributed to heightened attention.
Her connections to China have also been questioned, The Daily Caller reports.
Greco attended a banquet with Adams where a nonprofit leader reportedly discussed hosting a Chinese government police station in New York, an event that led to criminal charges for some attendees.
These associations have fueled public curiosity about her influence in the mayor’s office.
The Department of Justice had previously alleged that Adams accepted improper benefits from foreign nationals and a Turkish official, though these charges were later dropped by the Trump administration.
Federal scrutiny of associates like Greco highlights ongoing concerns about ethics and transparency surrounding the mayor’s circle.
Rather than focusing on election opponents or specific projects, the broader implications of Greco’s suspension raise questions about trust and accountability within the campaign.
Analysts note that even volunteer-level aides’ actions can impact public perception, signaling the importance of vetting and oversight in high-profile political operations.
The post Top Adams Aide Suspended After Giving Reporter Cash in Potato Chip Bag appeared first on Resist the Mainstream.
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Author: Gloriel Howard
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