Former NJ Political Aide on Trial for Staged Attack
CAMDEN, N.J. – A former Republican aide from New Jersey, known for driving a Maserati, is facing serious charges after allegedly orchestrating a fake attack against herself in a bizarre twist involving a fetish artist. The incident reportedly left her with severe scars, and she is now hoping for a new chapter in Florida following treatment for her mental health.
Natalie Green, 26, arrived at the Camden Federal Courthouse in style, stepping out of a sleek Italian sports car. Clad in a dark green minidress and carrying a Louis Vuitton bag, she bore an ankle monitor on her left foot. The scars from the incident—particularly a deep gash on her neck and jaw—are still visibly haunting her.
According to reports, the Ocean City resident paid $500 to a body modification artist on July 21 to inflict severe wounds on various parts of her body, including her face and neck.
Just two days later, prosecutors released information alleging that she had fabricated a story about being attacked by three men. Green claimed these assailants held her at gunpoint, cut her skin, and even wrote “Trump Whore” across her abdomen.
At a court hearing on Wednesday, U.S. Magistrate Judge Elizabeth Pascal approved Green’s request to relocate to Fort Lauderdale. She plans to move in with a childhood friend, Kristin Horton James, who has her fair share of legal issues, including past arrests for cocaine possession.
Green’s lawyer, Louis Barbone, emphasized how difficult the aftermath of the staged attack has been for her. He mentioned that she faces challenges in finding work and has been the target of online harassment. “Natalie Green has very little chance of finding work in this field,” he stated, suggesting that a move to Florida might give her a chance to start over.
Despite the circumstances, Green has reportedly been compliant with court-mandated mental health treatment. She described her living situation as a “tense hellhole” while staying with her ex-girlfriend’s mother.
In her new home, she intends to continue her mental health treatment and will be under electronic monitoring while adhering to a curfew. However, federal prosecutors expressed concerns regarding her new guardian. They highlighted Horton James’s troubled history and past arrests as potential red flags.
Prosecutor Patrick Askin was particularly skeptical, citing a recent arrest of Horton James as indicative of poor judgment. “I don’t think this is a better plan,” he remarked, underlining the risks involved.
Though Horton James has faced her own legal battles, Judge Pascal described her as “incredibly trustworthy and straightforward,” which may have influenced the court’s decision.
Green, who reconnects with Horton James after 20 years via Facebook, assured the court of her intentions to follow the rules as a legal guardian.
Both Green and Barbone opted not to comment further after leaving court. However, Barbone expressed hope for negotiating a plea deal with federal prosecutors once he reviews the evidence.
Green, who once worked in Rep. Jeff Van Drew’s office while attending Rutgers Law School, has not had an easy path. After the alleged attack, conflicting reports emerged; police discovered zip ties in her Maserati SUV, raising further questions about her claims.
She is currently charged with conspiracy to make false statements and providing misinformation, and if found guilty, could face up to 10 years in prison along with a potential fine of $250,000.
