YouTube Star Accused of Abduction

Summary

• Popular YouTuber Corey Pritchett faces two counts of aggravated kidnapping and is a fugitive from US justice.
• Pritchett, currently believed to be in Dubai, has posted a video taunting authorities and making light of the charges.
• His potential return to the US and the ultimate resolution of the case remain unknown.

US-based YouTube personality Corey Pritchett, known for his family vlogs and comedic content, is embroiled in a serious legal battle. He's been charged with two counts of aggravated kidnapping stemming from an incident on November 24, 2024, in southwest Houston. The allegations, which have shocked his substantial fanbase (approximately 4 million subscribers on his main channel, "CoreySSG," and over 1 million on "CoreySSG Live"), have garnered significant media attention.

According to reports from ABC13, Pritchett allegedly kidnapped two women, aged 19 and 20, after meeting them at a gym. The day's activities, initially involving ATV riding and bowling, took a sinister turn when Pritchett reportedly threatened the women at gunpoint, forcing them into his vehicle and driving at high speeds on I-10. He confiscated their phones and allegedly threatened to kill them, expressing paranoia about being pursued and mentioning prior accusations of arson. After stopping, he allegedly gave the women a chance to escape, leading them to walk for over an hour before finding help.

Pritchett's Evasion and Defiance

Charged on December 26, 2024, Pritchett had already fled the country. He reportedly flew to Doha, Qatar, on December 9th on a one-way ticket and is now believed to be in Dubai. From there, he released a video mocking the warrants for his arrest, openly declaring himself “on the run” and making light of the situation. This contrasts with the serious nature of the charges and the trauma experienced by his alleged victims. The case draws parallels to other high-profile incidents involving online personalities, such as the unrelated case of former YouTube streamer Johnny Somali facing potential charges in South Korea.

The future of this case remains uncertain. Whether Pritchett will voluntarily return to the US to face justice is unknown. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of online fame and the potential consequences of actions, contrasting with the 2023 kidnapping of YouTuber YourFellowArab in Haiti, who was later released after a harrowing ordeal.