NEW ROCHELLE, NY (October 3, 2023) — This op-ed article is an excerpt of a longer version which appeared on Substack: Long Overdue But No Surprise Here, Greco Arraignment Today. The article was published after Retired New Rochelle Police Detective and former NRPD PBA President Christopher Greco was arrested. He is alleged to have siphoned off $24,000 for personal use from Christopher’s Voice, a charity he and his wife established in 2018 in the name of their severely autistic son.
Greco was charged last week in New Rochelle City Court with Grand Larceny in the 3rd Degree (the value of the stolen property is between $3,000 and $50,000), a D Felony. He is facing up to 7 years in prison.
In our view, each of the organizations that uncritically promoted Greco and those in his orbit, even after serious issues were raised about him and Christopher’s Voice in our 2021 reporting, bear a degree of responsibility for what took place between 2018 and 2023 as described in Greco’s Felony Complaint.
They owe the public an explanation, starting with the folks at Westchester Magazine.
So, let’s hear it.
Since 2020, there has been a curious explosion in the promotion of Christopher Greco and businesses and organizations associated with Greco at Westchester magazine.
It began in April 2020 when Westchester magazine named Greco one of its thirteen “Hometown Heroes” with a full-page spread in the magazine about Greco and Christopher’s Voice, his non-profit. Greco appeared on the cover of the issue.
In July 2020, Westchester magazine listed Greco’s non-profit Christopher’s Voice as a Reader’s Pick for “Best Local Charity” in its Best of Westchester edition.
In February 2021, Westchester magazine gave Christopher’s at Chef Joe’s Greco’s restaurant, a coveted full-page “preview” review. The restaurant was out of business by April 2022.
In July 2021, Westchester magazine listed Greco’s non-profit Christopher’s Voice a Reader’s Pick for “Best Local Charity” in its Best of Westchester edition for the second year running.
In July 2021, Westchester magazine announced the Charity Partner for its Best of Westchester gala in 2021 and 2022 as the Seton Children’s Center where Greco’s autistic son Christopher resides.
In July 2020, Westchester magazine listed Rob Rubicco’s business, Anna & Jack’s Treehouse, as a Reader’s Pick for “Best Childcare” in its Best of Westchester edition.
In July 2021, Westchester magazine listed Rob Rubicco’s business, Anna & Jack’s Treehouse, as a Reader’s Pick for “Best Childcare” in its Best of Westchester edition for the second year running.
In July 2022, Westchester magazine listed Rob Rubicco’s business, Anna & Jack’s Treehouse, as a Reader’s Pick for “Best Childcare” in its Best of Westchester edition for the third year running.
In July 2023, Westchester magazine itself named Rob Rubicco’s business, Anna & Jack’s Treehouse, as “Best Childcare” in its Best of Westchester edition.
In July 2023, Westchester magazine also listed Rob Rubicco’s business, Anna & Jack’s Treehouse, as a Reader’s Pick for “Best Preschool”.
Greco and Rubicco are involved with the New Rochelle Chamber of Commerce. Christina Rubicco, Rob’s wife, is a friend of Chamber Director Catherine White.
In 2020, the New Rochelle Chamber of Commerce was scheduled to give Greco an award for “Distinguished Community Service” for his work on Christopher’s Voice, his non-profit organization. The event was canceled due to the pandemic.
Asked about this after Greco’s arrest, Chamber Executive Director Catherine White disavowed Greco, saying the award was not presented to Greco in 2020 (or any subsequent years). By 2021, I had run an expose on Greco and Christopher’s Voice.
A month after the event was canceled, the Chamber posted a message on Facebook:
Congratulations to New Rochelle Police Benevolent Association President Chris Greco, founder of NR Chamber member Christopher’s Voice. His dedication to the City of New Rochelle, NY, New Rochelle Police Department and his community is incredible. In fact, Chris will be receiving the New Rochelle Chamber of Commerce award for Distinguished Community Service at our Dinner Dance (hopefully re-scheduled this Fall).
Chris, you and your family are such amazing examples of community spirit and service and we’re inspired by your dedication now more than ever! Thank you for all you do!
Westchester magazine named the New Rochelle Chamber of Commerce “Best Chamber of Commerce” in its Best of Westchester edition in 2021, 2022 and 2023.
AJ’s Burgers sells catering services to the New Rochelle PBA. The restaurant stopped advertising in Talk of the Sound under pressure from Greco.
In July 2021, Westchester magazine named AJ’s Burgers as a Reader’s Pick for “Best Dining with Kids” in its Best of Westchester edition.
AJ’s Burgers has received numerous mentions as a “best burger” in Westchester magazine.
New Rochelle Chamber of Commerce Members include AJ’s Burgers, Anna & Jack’s Treehouse and Cousins Cigars & Hookah Lounge.
