Former aide to New Jersey representative staged violent attack and wrote offensive phrase on her body, according to prosecutors.

A 26-year-old woman from New Jersey has been charged with conspiracy and making false statements following a fabricated report of a violent attack. Natalie Greene, who previously worked as a staff member for U.S. Representative Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ), is accused of orchestrating a disturbing plot that involved inflicting self-harm. According to the Acting U.S. Attorney for New Jersey, Greene’s actions included zip-tying herself, hiring an artist to scar her body, and writing derogatory phrases on her skin.

The incident reportedly occurred on July 23, when Greene claimed that she was assaulted by three men while walking on a nature trail in Egg Harbor Township. She allegedly fabricated a detailed story to Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agents, stating that the assailants restrained her with zip ties and assaulted her physically, while making derogatory comments. Greene further asserted that one of the attackers threatened her with a firearm to ensure her silence. A friend who was with Greene during the incident corroborated portions of this account, indicating the men were vocal about political sentiments during the encounter.

Responding law enforcement discovered Greene around 10:36 p.m., bound by zip ties and bearing cuts on her body. She was subsequently transported to a local hospital for medical evaluation and treatment for her injuries.

However, investigators soon began to question the veracity of Greene’s claims. A search of her vehicle, a Maserati, revealed additional zip ties and duct tape, raising suspicions about her narrative. Furthermore, detectives learned of Greene’s activities leading up to the incident, including her engagement with a body modification artist in Pennsylvania. Phone records indicated that she had arranged for body modifications just hours before she was found, which matched the injuries reported during her fabricated attack.

Digging deeper, officials obtained location data that implicated Greene’s friend in potential premeditation, as evidence suggested a Google search for “zip ties near me” just days prior to the incident. With the ongoing investigation revealing additional layers of deception, Greene now faces serious legal consequences.

If convicted of the charges against her, which could result from the conspiracy and false statements, Greene could face a maximum sentence of five years in prison, along with a substantial fine. She has been released on a 0,000 unsecured bond following her initial court appearance. The implications of this case extend beyond the individual, as it raises questions about the motivations and impacts of such fabricated narratives on public trust and community safety. The case continues to evolve as more details emerge, leaving many to contemplate the repercussions of this alarming incident.

Media News Source reports that a spokesperson for Van Drew expressed sorrow over the situation and confirmed that Greene is no longer affiliated with the congressman’s office, highlighting the serious nature of the allegations and their impact on both her and the community.