Pennsylvania potato chip featured in New York political bribery scandal.

A recent incident involving a close aide to New York Mayor Eric Adams has sparked significant attention and controversy. Winnie Greco, an advisor to the mayor, was suspended from his re-election campaign following allegations that she attempted to offer cash concealed within a bag of potato chips to a reporter. This unusual method of delivering funds has caught the public’s interest and prompted discussions about integrity in political practices.

The incident came to light through the nonprofit news organization The City, which reported that Greco presented a personal-sized green-and-white Herr’s potato chip bag containing over 0 to Katie Honan, a City Hall reporter. The choice of snack has captured public curiosity, particularly given that Herr’s potato chips are based in Pennsylvania, leading some to speculate about the implications of this local connection.

According to The City, Greco and Honan met at a campaign event in Harlem. During their conversation, Greco handed Honan what she initially presented as a simple snack. However, Honan later discovered that the bag contained a red envelope stuffed with cash. Honan promptly reported the incident to her editors, who initiated contact with the New York Department of Investigation, leading to a federal inquiry conducted by the Brooklyn Prosecutor’s Office.

The response from the snack manufacturer, Herr Foods, echoed the surprise many felt about the incident involving their product. A spokesperson stated that while it was unexpected to see Herr’s chips in such a context, they confirmed that their Sour Cream & Onion flavor is, in fact, “money.”

Greco has a background as a longtime aide to Adams and has held various roles within the mayor’s administration, including as the director of Asian affairs. She is currently under investigation related to fundraising events that raised suspicions of impropriety regarding campaign financing, further complicating her situation.

Mayor Adams’ campaign has distanced itself from Greco’s actions, with a spokesperson affirming that the team was unaware of her intentions and expressing shock at the reports. In light of this incident, Greco has claimed that her actions were mistakenly interpreted and stemmed from cultural practices, asserting it was a simple gesture rather than an attempt at bribery.

This incident raises broader questions about the ethical standards surrounding political campaigns and the permissible practices within different cultural contexts. The evolving narrative serves as a reminder of the complexities inherent in political fundraising and the importance of transparency in maintaining public trust.