New York City’s political scene has been shaken again, this time over a bag of potato chips that wasn’t just a snack.
Winnie Greco, a former adviser to Mayor Eric Adams, has been suspended after handing a journalist a bag that secretly contained cash, sparking questions about ethics and propriety in City Hall.
Chips, Cash, and Confusion
The incident occurred when Greco, 62, the former director of Asian affairs at City Hall, gave a bag of chips to Katie Honan, a reporter with The City, last Wednesday.
What initially seemed like a simple snack quickly turned into a major controversy when Honan discovered a red envelope hidden inside the bag containing a $100 bill and several $20 bills.
Greco had reportedly texted Honan to meet her at a Whole Foods store following the opening of Mayor Adams’ campaign headquarters in Harlem.
When Honan hesitated to accept the snack, Greco insisted.
After finding the cash, Honan called Greco to return it, but the former adviser initially stopped responding and later asked the reporter not to publish the story.
Greco Defends Her Actions
Greco maintained that the gesture was purely symbolic.
Her attorney, Steven Brill, argued the situation had been “blown out of proportion” and framed the cash as a cultural token of friendship and gratitude.
“This was not a bag of cash,” Brill said. “In Chinese culture, money is often given as a gesture of kindness.
Winnie’s intention was born purely out of goodwill. She knows the reporter personally and is fond of her.”
In an interview, Greco added, “I’m so sorry. It’s a culture thing.
I don’t know. I don’t understand. I feel so bad right now.”
Suspension and City Response
Mayor Adams’ reelection campaign confirmed that Greco had been suspended from further work as an unpaid volunteer.
Aides stressed that Adams had no prior knowledge of the incident and emphasized that he expects the highest ethical standards from his team.
“We are shocked by these reports. Mayor Adams had no prior knowledge of this matter.
His sole focus remains serving the people of New York City with integrity,” said campaign aide Todd Shapiro.
The city’s Department of Investigation confirmed awareness of the incident but declined further comment.
A History of Controversy for Adams
This latest incident adds to a series of controversies that have marred Mayor Adams’ tenure.
Last year, he faced a federal investigation and indictment over alleged illegal campaign contributions from Turkish nationals, totaling over $100,000, including travel perks.
He pleaded not guilty, and in April 2025, the case was dropped after the Justice Department instructed prosecutors to dismiss the charges.
Greco’s Past Scrutiny
Greco resigned from her role in October 2024 amid federal scrutiny, with authorities searching two of her homes earlier this year.
She has not been charged with a crime but was one of several close aides who resigned or were dismissed during investigations.
Other Aides Facing Charges
The spotlight on Adams’ team continues, as former chief of staff Ingrid Lewis-Martin and several associates—including her son Glenn D. Martin, former state senator Jesse Hamilton, and donors Tony and Gina Argento—face new charges.
Lewis-Martin allegedly accepted bribes in exchange for speeding up construction approvals and receiving other benefits, including TV appearances and catered events at City Hall and Gracie Mansion.
District Attorney Alvin Bragg called the cases “classic bribery conspiracies with a deep and wide-ranging impact on city government,” noting that Lewis-Martin allegedly received over $75,000 in bribes while the public lost out.
Her attorney, Arthur Aidala, confirmed she intends to plead not guilty to the new charges.
