OCEAN CITY, N.J. — A former congressional aide is facing serious charges for allegedly staging a violent attack for political sympathy, according to newly released court documents. Natalie Greene, 26, is accused of orchestrating a hoax that involved faking injuries and fabricating a story about an assault in July.
Authorities claim Greene enlisted the help of a body modification artist to inflict self-inflicted wounds on her body, then reported a politically motivated attack to law enforcement. She has been charged with conspiracy to convey false statements and making false statements to federal agents, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey.
Greene, who once worked for Rep. Jeff Van Drew, R-N.J., is alleged to have called 911 on July 23, stating that she and an accomplice were attacked by three armed men at Egg Harbor Township state park. When authorities found her, they reported that she was bound with zip ties and bore lacerations on her head and chest. Disturbing phrases, including a sexual slur targeting former President Donald Trump and derogatory comments about Greene’s former employer, were discovered written on her stomach.
Investigators quickly began to unravel the incident, concluding that no such attack had occurred. Instead, they found evidence pointing to a deliberate act planned by Greene, who allegedly paid for the scars and wounds. Further investigations revealed that zip ties similar to those found on Greene were located in her vehicle, and her co-conspirator’s phone contained searches related to zip ties.
Law enforcement also discovered messages on Greene’s phone showing communication with a Pennsylvania-based body modification artist, who provided receipts totaling $500 for the work done on her. Additionally, records indicated that Greene had a Reddit profile linked to body modification content, raising questions about her motivations.
After the fake attack, Greene told an FBI agent that she had been targeted at work, adding credibility to her claims in the initial 911 call. Her co-conspirator reportedly told operators that they had attacked her while making politically charged insults.
Greene’s legal representation, Louis Barbone, has stated that she is entitled to a presumption of innocence until proven otherwise. “She dedicated her time to assist constituents and was a full-time student,” Barbone said, confirming his client’s commitment to defending herself in court.
Following her arraignment, Greene was released on a $200,000 bond. If convicted, she could face up to 10 years in prison and up to $500,000 in fines, highlighting the seriousness of the charges against her. As this case proceeds, it raises pressing questions about the consequences of fabricated violence in a politically charged environment.