YouTube Star Accused of Abduction

Summary

• Popular YouTuber Corey Pritchett is charged with aggravated kidnapping and has left the US.
• Pritchett posted a video from abroad, seemingly mocking the charges and his fugitive status.
• His potential return to the US and the case's resolution remain uncertain.

Corey Pritchett, a prominent YouTube personality, faces serious allegations: two counts of aggravated kidnapping. The news shocked his substantial fanbase after it emerged that he'd fled the country following the charges.

Pritchett, known for his family vlogs, challenges, and pranks, cultivated a large online following since launching his YouTube career in 2016. His main channel, "CoreySSG," boasts approximately 4 million subscribers, while his secondary channel, "CoreySSG Live," exceeds 1 million. One particularly successful video, "LET’S HAVE A BABY PRANK," has accumulated 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, accepted an invitation from Pritchett. Their day of ATV riding and bowling took a frightening turn when Pritchett allegedly threatened them at gunpoint, speeding on I-10 while confiscating their phones and threatening to kill them. The women reported Pritchett appeared anxious, believing someone was pursuing him, and that he'd been accused of arson.

Pritchett's Flight and Mocking Video

After stopping the vehicle, Pritchett allegedly allowed the women to escape. Charged on December 26, 2024, with two counts of aggravated kidnapping, Pritchett had already left the country. Authorities confirmed his December 9th departure to Doha, Qatar, on a one-way ticket, with his current location believed to be Dubai. From there, he released a video seemingly taunting the warrants, portraying himself as a fugitive and making light of the situation. This contrasts with the serious nature of the allegations, and the unrelated case of former YouTuber Johnny Somali who faces potential imprisonment in South Korea.

The outcome of Pritchett's case remains unresolved, with his potential surrender to US authorities unknown. The incident recalls the 2023 kidnapping of YouTuber YourFellowArab in Haiti, who, after a harrowing ordeal and ransom payment, was eventually released and later shared his experience.