Natalie Greene, Ex-Republican NJ Staffer, Accused of Staging Hoax Attack and Paying Artist to Mutilate Herself

Former Republican staffer Natalie Greene, 26, of Ocean City, New Jersey, has been charged with conspiracy and making false statements after federal investigators say she faked being the victim of a violent, politically motivated attack. According to prosecutors, Greene zip‑tied herself, paid a body‑modification artist to cut her face and body, and had the words “TRUMP WHORE” written across her stomach as part of an elaborate staged assault.

Greene, a Rutgers Law School graduate and former staffer for U.S. Rep. Jeff Van Drew (R‑NJ), told FBI agents she was ambushed on July 23 around 10 p.m. while walking with a friend on a nature trail in Egg Harbor Township. She claimed three men attacked her because of her political work, calling her slurs and restraining her at gunpoint. Officers later found her lying in a wooded area with her shirt pulled over her head, her hands and feet zip‑tied, and messages like “VAN DREW IS RACIST” marked on her back.

During her statement, Greene said she was threatened with being shot if she didn’t comply, and described managing to escape while still tied. Her friend—later identified as a co‑conspirator—called 911 and told officers the attackers had used Greene’s name and referenced her job.

Natalie Greene, Ex-Republican NJ Staffer, Accused of Staging Hoax Attack and Paying Artist to Mutilate Herself

But investigators quickly became suspicious. A search of Greene’s Maserati, which she had driven to the reserve with her friend, revealed two black zip ties matching the ones used in the supposed attack, along with a roll of duct tape. Greene also mentioned vague workplace threats, though none had been reported or directly aimed at her.

A warrant for Greene’s phone uncovered her participation in Reddit communities focused on scarification and body modification. Detectives also found GPS directions to a body‑modification artist in Pennsylvania, along with Instagram messages arranging a paid session earlier the same day. Records showed she signed a consent form at 2:31 p.m., roughly eight hours before she was “found,” and paid $500 for the cuts and scars she later presented as injuries from the alleged attackers.

According to investigators, Greene even sent the artist reference photos showing exactly where she wanted specific cuts placed on her face, neck, chest, and shoulders. Detectives concluded the wounds discovered by police precisely matched the work done by the artist.

Natalie Greene, Ex-Republican NJ Staffer, Accused of Staging Hoax Attack and Paying Artist to Mutilate Herself

The investigation expanded after police obtained cellphone tower data for both Greene and her friend. Two days before the incident, the friend googled “zip ties near me” and later entered a Dollar General store, though footage was inconclusive about whether zip ties were purchased.

Greene worked as a constituent advocate director for Van Drew’s office in 2021. Following news of her indictment, the local GOP office released a statement expressing sadness but noting she no longer worked for the congressman. “Our thoughts and prayers are with her,” the spokesperson said.

Authorities have not commented publicly on Greene’s motive, though theories circulating online range from a politically motivated stunt to personal instability. If convicted on all charges, Greene faces up to five years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release.

She made her first court appearance Wednesday and was released on a $200,000 unsecured bond.