Ex-Congressional Staffer Accused of Staging Violent Political Attack, Federal Prosecutors Say

Federal prosecutors say a former U.S. Rep. Jeff Van Drew staff member planned, staged, and lied about a dramatic assault in multiple law enforcement interviews.

Natalie Greene, 26, of Ocean City represented Rep. Van Drew’s 2nd Congressional District constituent services. Her July claim that three men ambushed her on a nature trail, scalpel-carved her, and branded her with political messages raised immediate concerns. Federal authorities deny political attackers caused the disturbing scene. It was fake.

One count of making false statements and conspiracy to spread lies and hoaxes were filed against Greene this week. Prosecutors say she planned the incident with an unnamed accomplice.

Greene’s co-conspirator called 911 from the Egg Harbor Township Nature Preserve on July 23 to report being jumped by three men who mentioned her Rep. Van Drew work. Officers found Greene lying on the ground in a wooded area with her shirt over her head, zip ties around her wrists and ankles, and cuts across her face, chest, neck, and shoulders. Police said “Trump Whore” was on her stomach and “Van Drew IS RACIST” on her back.

In tears, Greene told officers that the attackers held her down, threatened her with a gun, and carved into her skin before humiliating her with the written messages. She told the FBI and federal investigators about these allegations during a hospital exam.

The story collapsed when prosecutors found staged injuries and props. The complaint claims Greene paid a scarification specialist to use a scalpel to cut her desired pattern. The wounds matched her artist design, investigators said.

Authorities found matching zip ties in her car and hands and feet. Her accomplice searched for “zip ties near me” on her phone two days before the alleged attack.

Rep. Van Drew’s office issued a brief statement of shock, wishing Greene well and stating she no longer had ties to him.

Greene was released under supervision after her federal court debut on Wednesday. Her attorney declined comment.

Attorneys say Greene staged the event to create a politically charged crime that falsely implicated opponents and exploited rising political and safety tensions.

Greene may face harsh penalties for lying about a violent incident and misleading federal agents. Her accomplice is under investigation.

Sources

U.S. Attorney’s Office Statement
Federal Court Records
FBI Case InformationEx-Congressional Staffer Accused of Staging Violent Political Attack, Federal Prosecutors Say