2TOMS RIVER, NJ – A New Jersey woman employed by New Jersey Congressman Jeff Van Drew was charged Wednesday with conspiring to stage a violent assault and making false statements to law enforcement after investigators determined she fabricated the story and self-inflicted her injuries.

Federal prosecutors said Natalie Greene, 26, of Ocean City, falsely claimed she was attacked at gunpoint by three men while walking on a nature trail in Egg Harbor Township on July 23.

Key Points

Natalie Greene, 26, was charged with conspiracy and making false statements after faking a violent assault in July.

Investigators say she paid a body modification artist to inflict her wounds and used zip ties to stage the scene.

The hoax triggered a large law enforcement response before being exposed through

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