YouTuber Accused of Abduction

Summary

• YouTube star 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 escape.
• His return to the US and the case's resolution remain unknown.

Popular YouTuber Corey Pritchett faces serious accusations: two counts of aggravated kidnapping. Authorities say he departed the country shortly after the charges were filed, a shocking turn of events for his many followers.

For those unfamiliar, Pritchett is a US-based content creator known for his engaging online persona. His YouTube journey began in 2016, featuring family vlogs, challenges, and pranks. While not a top-tier YouTuber, his "CoreySSG" channel boasts approximately 4 million subscribers, and his "CoreySSG Live" channel has over 1 million. A standout video, "LET’S HAVE A BABY PRANK," has amassed over 12 million views.

The alleged kidnapping occurred on November 24, 2024, in southwest Houston, adding to a concerning trend of kidnapping cases involving online personalities. According to ABC13, Pritchett allegedly met two women (ages 19 and 20) at a gym, engaging in activities such as ATV riding and bowling. The situation escalated when Pritchett reportedly threatened them at gunpoint, sped away on I-10, confiscated their phones, and threatened to kill them. The women later 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 allowed the women to escape. They walked for over an hour before finding help and contacting authorities. On December 26, 2024, Pritchett was charged, but he had already fled to Doha, Qatar, on December 9th on a one-way ticket, according to the FBI. He's now reportedly in Dubai, where he posted a video mocking the warrants and his situation, claiming to be "on the run." This contrasts with the case of another former streamer, Johnny Somali, who faces potential jail time in South Korea (unrelated to Pritchett's case).

The future of this case is uncertain, with Pritchett's potential return to the US unknown. It's worth noting the 2023 kidnapping and subsequent release of YouTuber YourFellowArab in Haiti, a harrowing experience he later documented.