An adviser has been temporarily removed from New York City Mayor Eric Adams’ reelection campaign due to an incident involving a reporter and an envelope of cash inside a chip bag.
The transaction occurred Wednesday night following a campaign event in Harlem. According to the local news outlet, The City, Winnie Greco handed one of its journalists a chip bag with a top that was crumpled shut. When the reporter opened the bag afterward, they found an envelope containing what appeared to be at least $100 and notified Greco that it couldn’t be accepted.
The City promptly informed New York’s Department of Investigations, and subsequently, federal prosecutors in Brooklyn reached out to their legal team.
A spokesperson for Adams’ campaign responded in a statement and said the mayor had no prior knowledge of the incident.
The campaign responded with a statement: “We are shocked by these reports. Winnie Greco holds no position in this campaign and has been suspended from all VOLUNTEER campaign-related activities.”
Greco and her attorney claimed the situation was a cultural misunderstanding and expressed their apologies for any resulting confusion, as reported by The City.
“I make a mistake,” Greco told the reporter. “I’m so sorry. It’s a culture thing. I don’t know. I don’t understand. I’m so sorry.”
Previously, Greco served as Adams’ director of Asian affairs and returned as a volunteer for his reelection effort, as noted by the New York Times. She has been embroiled in controversy before, with the F.B.I. having searched her home during a federal probe into possible Chinese government meddling in the 2021 mayoral race.
Greco’s suspension marks the latest chapter of legal drama involving former advisers of Adams. Ingrid Lewis-Martin was charged by the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office with bribery, conspiracy and money laundering in December, affiliate WPIX reported.
