Natalie Greene, 26, a former aide to Rep. Jeff Van Drew, is charged with staging a politically motivated attack on herself. She faces two federal counts—conspiracy to convey false statements and hoaxes, and making false statements to federal law enforcement—each carrying up to five years in prison. Authorities say evidence shows she paid a scarification artist and that investigators found zip ties in her car and related phone searches. Greene was released on a $200,000 unsecured bond pending further proceedings.
Former Congressional Aide Charged After Alleged Self-Staged Political Attack
Natalie Greene, 26, a former aide to Rep. Jeff Van Drew, is charged with staging a politically motivated attack on herself. She faces two federal counts—conspiracy to convey false statements and hoaxes, and making false statements to federal law enforcement—each carrying up to five years in prison. Authorities say evidence shows she paid a scarification artist and that investigators found zip ties in her car and related phone searches. Greene was released on a $200,000 unsecured bond pending further proceedings.
11:53 AM, 11/20/2025Politics
A 26-year-old former congressional staffer for Rep. Jeff Van Drew, R‑N.J., has been federally charged after investigators say she staged a violent, politically themed attack on herself.
Charges and Court Appearance
Natalie Greene appeared in federal court Wednesday on two counts: conspiracy to convey false statements and hoaxes, and making false statements to federal law enforcement. Each count carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison.
Allegations and Evidence
According to the criminal complaint, on July 23 a woman described as a co‑conspirator called 911 and reported that "three guys just attacked us" while she and Greene were walking along a nature preserve trail in New Jersey. Responding officers found Greene with cuts on her face and upper body, and her hands and feet bound with zip ties. She reportedly cried that one of the attackers "has a gun" and had threatened to shoot her.
Investigators say Greene's shirt had been pulled over her head and secured with a zip tie. The complaint states the words "TRUMP WHORE" were written across her stomach and a message reading "IS RACIST" referring to Van Drew was etched on her back. Greene initially told authorities that attackers had struck her, held her down and used a sharp object to cut and inscribe messages on her body.
Federal agents report evidence that contradicts that account: investigators say Greene paid an artist who specializes in scarification to use a scalpel to create cuts in a pattern she directed before the incident. Police also found black zip ties in Greene's car the night of the alleged episode that resembled the restraints used on her. Phone records show the alleged co‑conspirator searched for "zip ties near me" two days before the reported attack, according to the complaint.
Bond and Next Steps
Greene was released on a $200,000 unsecured bond and remains subject to additional conditions while the case proceeds in federal court.
"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. We hope she’s getting the care she needs," a Van Drew spokesperson said.
The allegations are detailed in a federal criminal complaint and the matter remains under investigation. The charges in the complaint are allegations; Greene is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.