Woman employed by N.J. Congressman Van Drew faces charges for falsely reporting a violent political attack.
A 26-year-old woman from Ocean City, New Jersey, has been charged with several offenses, including conspiracy to convey false statements and making false statements to federal authorities. The charges stem from an incident where Natalie Greene reported being the victim of a politically motivated attack, claiming that she had been seriously injured by assailants. However, investigators revealed that Greene had actually sought the help of a body modification artist in Pennsylvania, paying 0 for the injuries she later reported.
The case was detailed in a federal criminal complaint released by the U.S. Attorney’s Office on Wednesday. Greene, who was formerly employed by U.S. Representative Jeff Van Drew, was implicated in a scheme that allegedly involved fabricating details of her supposed assault, which included being attacked by men who knew her political affiliations.
On the night of July 23, it was reported that a co-conspirator summoned emergency services, claiming that Greene had been attacked by three unknown perpetrators at the Egg Harbor Township Nature Preserve. The caller asserted that these individuals had made political comments during the alleged assault, lending a specific narrative to the incident.
When police arrived, they found Greene allegedly lying on the ground with her hands and feet bound by zip ties. Disturbingly, the words “Trump Whore” were scrawled on her body, alongside allegations of racism against an unnamed “Federal Official.” Greene was soon transported to a hospital for treatment of extensive lacerations on her body.
As the investigation unfolded, authorities discovered inconsistencies in Greene’s narrative. A search of her vehicle revealed zip ties and duct tape, similar to what had been used in her purported attack. Moreover, geolocation data from Greene’s phone indicated that she had previously visited the body modification studio in Pennsylvania, contradicting her claims of being assaulted.
Surveillance footage from a local Dollar General also suggested suspicious behavior from the unnamed co-conspirator, who was seen shortly after searching for zip ties online. Phone records indicated Greene’s online interests included communities centered around body modifications, raising further questions about her motives.
On July 30, the FBI obtained a consent form signed by Greene at the Pennsylvania studio, along with medical documentation that indicated the injuries she sustained matched those produced during the procedure. As the investigation continues, authorities analyze the implications of this case for both public safety and accountability regarding false reporting.
Van Drew’s office has expressed dismay over the developments, noting that Greene is no longer associated with the Congressman’s office and wishing her well in receiving necessary care. As this case unfolds, it underscores the significant resources expended on fraudulent claims and the broader social implications tied to politically charged narratives.
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