Natalie Greene, a 26-year-old former aide to New Jersey Republican Representative Jeff Van Drew, has been charged with staging a hoax, reminiscent of the Jussie Smollett case. Greene allegedly paid a body modification artist $500 to inflict violent wounds on her body with a scalpel, including carving the words “Trump Whore” on her stomach. This followed a reported incident at the Egg Harbor Township Nature Reserve where she was found hogtied, claiming she was attacked by three armed men who slashed her and drew political slurs on her body.
Federal prosecutors allege inconsistencies in Greene’s and her accomplice’s accounts, further supported by evidence of searches for “zip ties near me” prior to the incident. Greene faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted. Van Drew’s office has issued a statement noting Greene’s disassociation from his office, expressing concern for her well-being and hoping she receives necessary care. These false-report cases can undermine genuine claims of violence and exploitation and divert valuable law enforcement resources.