In a surprising development, Natalie Greene, a 26-year-old former congressional staffer who worked for GOP Congressman Jeff Van Drew, has been charged with conspiracy to convey false statements and hoaxes, as well as making false statements to federal law enforcement. The charges stem from an incident where Greene allegedly orchestrated a self-inflicted attack, falsely reporting it as an assault by three men at a New Jersey nature preserve.
The situation unfolded when Greene called 911 from a walking trail, claiming to have been attacked. Upon arrival, authorities found Greene zip-tied and with lacerations on her body, accompanied by derogatory phrases and accusations against Van Drew and President Trump defacing her skin. She reported that one of the assailants threatened her with a firearm and mentioned her boss's name.
However, the investigation revealed inconsistencies in Greene's story when police found additional zip ties in her Maserati, resembling those binding her. Federal investigators also discovered a co-conspirator's internet search for zip ties and traced Greene's phone to various locations, including a tattoo parlor and body modification studio in Pennsylvania, where the self-inflicted injuries were deemed to have been professionally done.
The artist responsible for the body modifications reported that Greene had provided detailed instructions for the scarification patterns she wanted. Greene paid $500 in cash for the work and inquired about minimizing bleeding. Investigators also found consent forms and a waiver signed by Greene, along with calls and messages from the artist attempting to follow up with her.
U.S. Attorney for New Jersey Alina Habba, appointed by President Trump, has filed the charges against Greene, who is now a Rutgers Law School student. The consequences of a conviction could be severe, with potential penalties including up to ten years in prison, $500,000 in fines, and a period of supervised release.
Greene made her first federal court appearance on Wednesday and was released on a $200,000 unsecured bond. A Van Drew spokesperson confirmed that Greene is no longer employed by the congressman.
This case has gained notable attention due to its sensitive political undertones and the involvement of a figure connected to a sitting congressman. The implications of such a hoax also raise questions about the integrity of political discourse and the lengths to which individuals might go to make a statement or manipulate public perception.
