YouTube Star Arrested for Alleged 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, posted a video taunting authorities and the charges against him.
• His potential return to the US and the ultimate resolution of the case remain unknown.

Corey Pritchett, a well-known YouTube personality, is embroiled in a serious legal battle. He's been charged with two counts of aggravated kidnapping, prompting his departure from the United States shortly after the charges were filed. This unexpected turn of events has sent shockwaves through his substantial online community.

Pritchett, a US-based content creator, cultivated a large following since launching his YouTube career in 2016. His channels, "CoreySSG" and "CoreySSG Live," boast approximately 4 million and 1 million subscribers respectively, showcasing his success in creating engaging family vlogs, challenges, and pranks. One particularly popular video, "LET’S HAVE A BABY PRANK," has amassed over 12 million views.

The alleged kidnapping incident occurred on November 24, 2024, in southwest Houston. According to reports from ABC13, two women (ages 19 and 20) accepted an invitation to spend the day with Pritchett, participating in activities such as ATV riding and bowling. The situation escalated dramatically when Pritchett allegedly threatened them at gunpoint, forcibly seizing their phones and driving them at high speed on I-10, claiming he intended to kill them. The women later revealed to authorities that Pritchett exhibited signs of anxiety, fearing persecution, and mentioned prior accusations of arson.

Pritchett's Flight and Mocking Video

After stopping his vehicle, Pritchett reportedly allowed the women a chance to escape. They subsequently walked for over an hour before finding help and contacting law enforcement. While Pritchett was formally charged with two counts of aggravated kidnapping on December 26, 2024, he had already fled the country. Authorities, working with the FBI, confirmed his departure on December 9th to Doha, Qatar, on a one-way ticket. He is now believed to be in Dubai, where he released a video mocking the warrants issued for his arrest, openly declaring himself "on the run" and making light of the situation. This contrasts with the serious nature of the allegations and the potential consequences he faces. The case also comes amidst other legal issues facing online personalities, such as the situation with former YouTube streamer Johnny Somali, who is facing potential new charges in South Korea.

The future of this case remains uncertain. Whether Pritchett will return to the US to face the charges is currently unknown. It's worth noting that the kidnapping of YouTuber YourFellowArab in Haiti in 2023, though ultimately resolved with his release, serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by online personalities. His subsequent account of his ordeal with a Haitian gang underscores the gravity of such situations.