New York City Mayor Eric Adams’ aide, Winnie Greco, has stepped down after being linked to a bribery scandal. She allegedly gave a reporter a bag of chips filled with cash during a campaign event in Harlem.
The FBI began looking into her actions after the incident came to light. Reports said the bag contained a red envelope with a $100 bill and several $20 bills.
The Incident at Campaign Launch
The controversy began when Greco approached journalist Katie Honan from The City at the launch of Adams’ campaign headquarters in Harlem. She tried to hand over the bag, making it seem like a simple snack.
Later, Greco asked Honan to meet her inside a Whole Foods store. Despite Honan’s initial refusal, Greco insisted she take the bag. When the reporter opened it, she found the cash. Honan immediately called Greco to say she could not accept it and would return it.
Greco’s Defence
Greco’s lawyer, Steven Brill, defended her actions. He said, “This was not a bag of cash. In the Chinese culture, money is often given to others in a gesture of friendship and gratitude. And that’s all that was done here. Winnie’s intention was born purely out of kindness.”
When asked why she chose Honan, Brill explained, “She knows the reporter and is fond of her.”
Apology and Fallout
After the story began to spread, Greco called The City to apologise and requested them not to publish it. She said, “I try to be a good person. 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.”
However, the controversy forced her resignation. Adams’ re-election campaign confirmed that Greco had been suspended from her volunteer role.
Mayor’s Campaign Responds
The campaign stressed that Mayor Adams had no knowledge of her actions. “We are shocked by these reports,” campaign aide Todd Shapiro told the AP. He added, “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.”