Former Top Adams Advisor and Donors Face Bribery Charges; Cuomo Mocks with Potato Chip Stunt
Multiple associates and former aides of New York City Mayor Eric Adams are being charged with corruption in a high-profile case, following the exposure of an alleged bribery incident where an aide attempted to hand a reporter cash concealed in a potato chip bag. The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office announced on Thursday that four individuals, including a former top adviser and her son, as well as local business owners and political donors, face charges related to a pay-to-play scheme. The charges stem from a broader investigation into potential corruption within Adams’ inner circle, which has sparked significant media attention and political reactions ahead of the upcoming mayoral election.
The scandal took a dramatic turn when, according to local New York City paper The City, one of Adams’ aides—Winnie Greco—was allegedly caught trying to give money to a reporter inside a bag of potato chips. Greco, who has since been suspended, described the incident as a ‘mistake’ in a subsequent statement. This event, coupled with the recent indictment of several individuals, has intensified the scrutiny on Adams’ administration. Among those indicted is Ingrid Lewis-Martin, a former chief adviser to Adams who resigned in 2024 amid other corruption allegations. The indictment alleges that Lewis-Martin received at least $75,000 in bribes between March 2022 and November 2024, with a significant portion funneled to her son’s bank account.
The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office claims that Lewis-Martin was involved in a bribery conspiracy that allegedly disrupted city government by prioritizing her own interests over public service. Other charges include allegations of improper steering of government contracts and policy decisions influenced by financial incentives. District Attorney Alvin Bragg stated that Lewis-Martin’s actions represented a ‘classic bribery conspiracy’ that had a wide-ranging impact on city governance. The situation is further complicated by the fact that Adams has not yet been implicated in any of the charges, though his spokesperson emphasized that the mayor remains ‘not accused of any wrongdoing.’
In a symbolic response to the scandal, Adams’ political opponent, Andrew Cuomo, who is running for mayor, took the opportunity to mock the situation by distributing bags of chips to reporters at a press conference. During the event, Cuomo remarked, ‘Sometimes a bag of chips is just a bag of chips,’ a direct reference to the alleged bribery incident. While Cuomo has not been the subject of major bribery scandals himself, he resigned from his position as governor in 2021 amid sexual assault allegations. In his comments on the current situation, Cuomo called the incidents involving Adams and his associates ‘sad,’ ’embarrassing,’ and ‘depressing,’ expressing a sense of disillusionment about the state of government transparency in New York.
The political fallout from these events is further exacerbated by the involvement of former Democratic Party members who have since turned into independent voters. These individuals have been vocal in their criticism of the corruption allegations, which they claim are being used to undermine the anti-Mamdani vote. Zohran Mamdani, the self-described socialist candidate for mayor, has also weighed in, stating that the indictments are a distraction from the pressing issue of affordability in New York City. Mamdani argues that corruption is not just about personal gain for politicians, but also about the loss of public trust and resources needed to address economic challenges.
As the mayoral race approaches, the corruption allegations surrounding Adams have intensified, drawing public attention to the potential consequences for both the mayor and his opposition. The case has become a symbol of the broader issues of political integrity and financial mismanagement in New York City. The outcomes of the legal proceedings could have significant implications for the political landscape and the public’s perception of leadership in the region.
Cuomo’s comments on the situation have contributed to the growing sentiment of frustration and disillusionment with government, as noted in his remarks on the never-ending series of corruption scandals. His statement highlights the challenge faced by politicians in maintaining public trust and demonstrating effective governance amidst ongoing allegations of misconduct. As the city prepares for another election, the outcome of these legal proceedings could shape the future of political leadership and decision-making in New York City.