A former member of U.S. Rep. Jeff Van Drew ’s staff has been accused of falsely reporting her own assault after authorities found her bound by zip ties in the woods, officials with the U.S. Attorney’s Office said Wednesday.

Natalie Greene, 26, of Ocean City, was charged with conspiracy to convey false statements and hoaxes and one count of making false statements.

Greene was a constituent services representative for Van Drew, the Republican who serves New Jersey’s 2nd District in the U.S. House of Representatives.

“We are deeply saddened by today’s news, and while Natalie is no longer associated with the Congressman’s government office, our thoughts and prayers are with her,” a spokesperson for Van Drew said Wednesday.

Greene and a co-conspirator called emergency services on July 2

See Full Page