A former staffer for New Jersey GOP Rep. Jeff Van Drew has been charged with staging her own physical attack.
Natalie Greene, 26, made her initial court appearance Wednesday for charges of conspiracy and making false statements to law enforcement.
On July 23, an unnamed co-conspirator called 911, claiming she and Ms. Greene were attacked while walking along a trail at a nature preserve in Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, according to the criminal complaint. The co-conspirator said the three attackers knew Ms. Greene’s name and that she worked in Mr. Van Drew’s office.
Law enforcement officers found Ms. Greene crying and screaming with cuts on her face and chest as her hands and feet were zip-tied together, according to the complaint. She claimed that one of the attackers, all men, threatened to shoot her.
“TRUMP WHORE” was written on her stomach, and “IS RACIST” was on her back, referring to Mr. Van Drew.
The Justice Department investigation revealed that Ms. Greene had paid a “body modification/scarification artist” $500 to make the cuts on her body before the incident.
Investigators found zip ties in Ms. Greene’s car, similar to the ones used in the attack, and her co-conspirator’s phone showed a search for “zip ties near me.”
“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,” Mr. Van Drew’s office said in a statement. “We hope she’s getting the care she needs.”
Ms. Greene was released on $200,000 bond, and if found guilty on both charges, she could face up to 10 years in prison.
