YouTube Star Accused in Kidnapping Case

Summary

Popular YouTuber Corey Pritchett is charged with 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 uncertain.

YouTube personality Corey Pritchett faces serious accusations: two counts of aggravated kidnapping. Surprisingly, authorities say he left the country shortly after charges were filed, leaving fans shocked as details of the alleged crimes surfaced online.

For those unfamiliar, Corey 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’s amassed a substantial following—approximately 4 million subscribers on his main channel, "CoreySSG," and over 1 million on "CoreySSG Live." A particularly popular video, "LET’S HAVE A BABY PRANK," boasts over 12 million views.

The alleged kidnapping incident occurred on November 24, 2024, in southwest Houston, adding to a concerning trend of kidnapping cases involving online creators. According to ABC13, two women (ages 19 and 20) met Pritchett at a gym. Their day, which included ATV riding and bowling, took a frightening turn when Pritchett allegedly threatened them at gunpoint, sped away on I-10, and confiscated their phones, claiming he intended to kill them. The women reported Pritchett appeared anxious, believing someone was targeting him, and mentioned prior accusations of arson.

Pritchett's Flight and Mocking Video

After stopping his vehicle, Pritchett allegedly gave the women a chance to escape. They walked for over an hour before finding help and contacting the police. On December 26, 2024, Pritchett was charged, but he'd already fled to Doha, Qatar, on December 9th on a one-way ticket. He's now reportedly in Dubai, where he posted a video scoffing at the warrants, stating he was "on the run" and joking about the situation. This contrasts with the serious legal predicament faced by former YouTuber Johnny Somali, who is facing potential new charges in South Korea (though unrelated).

The future of this case is uncertain. Whether Pritchett will return to the US to face justice remains unknown. It's worth noting the 2023 kidnapping of YouTuber YourFellowArab in Haiti, who was eventually released after a harrowing experience with a Haitian gang, which he later documented for his followers.