Kathrine Frich
The case of a former US political aide who said she was ambushed by attackers shouting pro-Trump slogans has taken a dramatic turn.
Federal investigators now allege the incident, which drew national attention for its disturbing details, was orchestrated by the woman herself.
Initial claims
26-year-old Natalie Greene was discovered on a wooded trail in Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, screaming for help with her hands and legs bound by zip ties.
Police documented dozens of cuts on her body and political insults written in black marker, including “Trump w***e” on her stomach and “Van Drew is a racist” on her back.
Greene previously worked for Republican Representative Jeff Van Drew, whose office confirmed her past employment, as reported by Express.
She told officers she had been ambushed by two men who threatened to shoot her, held her down and slashed her with a blade.
Investigators said Greene insisted she was targeted because of her work for the congressman.
Investigation turns
According to filings from the US Attorney’s Office for New Jersey, the story began to unravel when police noted inconsistencies between Greene’s account and that of a woman described as her co-conspirator.
Officers found online searches for “zip ties near me” on the second woman’s device, the same type later recovered from Greene’s car.
Prosecutors also allege Greene paid a body modification artist $500 to carve the wounds on her body on the day of the supposed attack.
A receipt was recovered, and investigators say Greene had even provided the design she wanted. The New York Post reported that Greene’s Reddit account followed scarification and body modification forums, a detail cited in the criminal complaint.
Federal charges
Greene is now charged with conspiracy to falsely report a violent attack and making false statements to law enforcement.
If convicted on both counts, she faces up to ten years in prison and fines totalling roughly $500,000.
Representative Van Drew’s office told the BBC it was “deeply saddened” by the case and hoped Greene “is getting the care she needs.” She has been released on a $200,000 bond pending trial.
The Department of Justice said the investigation remains ongoing as prosecutors review additional digital evidence.
Sources: Express, BBC, New York Post, US Attorney’s Office (New Jersey)
