YouTube Sensation Accused of Abduction

Summary

• Popular YouTuber Corey Pritchett is charged with two counts of aggravated kidnapping and has left the US.
• Pritchett posted a video from abroad, making light of the charges and his flight.
• His potential return to the US and the case's outcome are currently unknown.

YouTube personality Corey Pritchett faces serious accusations: two counts of aggravated kidnapping. Authorities say he departed the country shortly after charges were filed, a shocking development for his substantial online following.

For those unfamiliar, Pritchett is a US-based content creator known for his relatable online persona. His YouTube career began in 2016, featuring family vlogs, challenges, and pranks. While not a top-tier YouTuber, he commands a considerable audience, with approximately 4 million subscribers on his main channel, "CoreySSG," and over 1 million on "CoreySSG Live." One video, "LET’S HAVE A BABY PRANK," boasts over 12 million views.

The alleged kidnapping incident occurred on November 24, 2024, in southwest Houston. According to ABC13, two women, aged 19 and 20, participated in activities with Pritchett—ATV riding and bowling—before a terrifying turn of events. Pritchett allegedly threatened them at gunpoint, drove recklessly on I-10, confiscated their phones, and reportedly stated his intention to kill them. The women later reported that Pritchett expressed anxiety, believing someone was targeting him, and mentioned prior accusations of arson.

Pritchett's Flight and Mocking Video

After stopping his vehicle, Pritchett allegedly allowed the women to escape. They walked for over an hour before getting help. On December 26, 2024, Pritchett was charged, but he had already fled to Doha, Qatar, on December 9th, using a one-way ticket. He's now reportedly in Dubai, where he posted a video mocking the warrants and his situation, declaring himself "on the run." This contrasts with the case of former YouTuber Johnny Somali, who also faces potential jail time in South Korea, though unrelated.

The future of this case remains uncertain. Whether Pritchett will return to face US authorities is unknown. It's worth noting the 2023 kidnapping and subsequent release of YouTuber YourFellowArab in Haiti, an incident he later documented, highlighting the dangers faced by online personalities.