Eric Adams suspends campaign advisor for handing chip bag full of cash to journalist

Former top aide to Mayor Eric Adams and current advisor to his re-election campaign Winnie Greco reportedly handed a New York City journalist a chip bag filled with cash following a Wednesday campaign event in Harlem.

Greco allegedly handed the potato chip bag that had a red envelope full of cash inside to a reporter with The City, the outlet reported. Greco had previously resigned from her position as Adam’s liaison to the Asian Community amid multiple investigations in 2024. 

Katie Honan, a City Hall reporter, saw Greco near the announcement of Adam’s new campaign office in Harlem on Wednesday, with Greco later texting Honan after she spotted her again, asking for her to meet across the street from the campaign office. Greco and Honan walked into a Whole Foods near the office, and while inside, Greco allegedly handed Honan the bag with the top rolled closed. Honan had thought it was just an offer of a snack, told Greco she could not accept, but Greco allegedly insisted she keep them. 

After parting ways, Honan opened the bag before entering a nearby subway station and discovered the envelope, which contained at least one $100 bill and multiple $20 bills. Honan attempted to contact Greco to return the money, who said they could meet at some point in Chinatown. Honan later texted Greco, "I can’t take this, when can I give it back to you," but received no response.

The City asked Greco about her intentions behind the cash in an interview Wendesday, to which she said she had "made a mistake." She said, "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."

Greco later called the outlet back, and advised that they speak with her attorney, Steven Brill. She said, "Can we forget about this? I try to be a good person. Please. Please. Please don’t do in the news nothing about me," later adding, "I just wanted to be her friend. I just wanted to have one good friend. It’s nothing."

Brill told the outlet, "I can see how this looks strange. 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. Winnie is apologetic and embarrassed by any negative impression or confusion this may have caused."

Adams campaign spokesperson Todd Shapiro told the outlet that Greco has been suspended from the campaign. "We are shocked by these reports. 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."

Honan handed the bag of chips and envelope of cash to her editors at The City, which contacted the city’s Department of Investigation. In anticipation of an investigation, the outlet did not open the envelope or count how much was inside. DOI spokesperson Diane Struzzi said, "DOI received allegations from THE CITY and declines further comment." 

Federal prosecutors from the office of Brooklyn US Attorney Joseph Nocella contacted lawyers from the outlet. The bag was taken by an investigator on Wednesday.