A shocking story out of New Jersey has taken a bizarre twist.
Natalie Greene, 26, a former staffer for Republican Congressman Jeff Van Drew, was found in a nature preserve bound with zip ties and covered in cuts, including a message scrawled on her stomach.
Initially, Greene told authorities she had been attacked by three men, one allegedly brandishing a gun while referencing her boss’s name.
Her frantic 911 call from a walking trail painted a terrifying scene—but as federal investigators dug deeper, the dramatic narrative began to unravel.
Greene has now been charged with making false statements to the FBI in what authorities say was a meticulously planned hoax.
The Alleged Attack and Initial Discovery
When police arrived at the scene, Greene was in tears, hands and feet restrained, with black zip ties around her neck and visible lacerations across her face, neck, chest, and shoulders.
She told agents that two men had grabbed her, tied her up, and cut into her skin while threatening her with a gun—though she never actually saw a firearm.
The night of the supposed assault, police also found additional zip ties in Greene’s Maserati, raising early suspicions about her story.
Evidence Unravels the Story
Investigators soon traced the plot through Greene’s digital footprint.
Her co-conspirator had Googled “zip ties near me,” and her Reddit profile revealed an interest in scarification and body modifications.
Greene had also visited a Pennsylvania tattoo parlor and body modification artist before ending up at the nature preserve.
Officials discovered receipts, waivers, and messages confirming that Greene paid $500 for the body modification procedure, providing precise instructions and even posing for photos of the intended scars.
Markings like the slur on her stomach and “Van Drew racist” were deliberately applied by the artist—not inflicted by assailants.
Charges and Legal Consequences
US Attorney Alina Habba, a Trump appointee, charged Greene, who is also a Rutgers Law School student, with conspiracy to convey false statements and making false statements to federal law enforcement.
If convicted, Greene faces up to ten years in prison, fines of $500,000, and up to six years of supervised release.
She made her first federal court appearance on Wednesday and was released on $200,000 unsecured bond.
Congressional Fallout and Political Context
Greene is no longer employed by Congressman Van Drew, who represents New Jersey’s 2nd district.
His office released a statement expressing concern for her well-being:
“While Natalie is no longer associated with the congressman’s office, our thoughts and prayers are with her, and we hope she’s getting the care she needs,” spokesperson Paxton Antonucci said.
The case has drawn attention in the context of Van Drew’s political career.
The Congressman switched parties after opposing the current impeachment investigation into former President Trump.
This move drew criticism from New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy but praise from Trump himself, who called Van Drew “very smart” and lauded his “guts” on Twitter.
Looking Ahead
As federal authorities continue to build their case, Greene’s story serves as a stark reminder of the complexity of hoax investigations and the dangers of mixing political intrigue with sensationalized personal claims.
The investigation also underscores how digital footprints and careful law enforcement work can unravel even the most elaborate fabrications.
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