Prominent YouTuber Faces Kidnapping Charges

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 released 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 prominent US-based YouTube content creator, is facing serious allegations. He's been charged with two counts of aggravated kidnapping following an incident on November 24, 2024, in southwest Houston. The charges, which have shocked many of his fans, allege a terrifying ordeal involving two young women.

Pritchett, known for his family vlogs, challenges, and pranks on his channels "CoreySSG" (approximately 4 million subscribers) and "CoreySSG Live" (over 1 million subscribers), allegedly met the women at a gym. According to ABC13, the day's activities, which included ATV riding and bowling, took a dark 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 expressed paranoia about being pursued and mentioned prior accusations of arson.

After stopping the vehicle, Pritchett purportedly gave the women a chance to escape. They subsequently walked for over an hour before finding help and contacting the police.

Pritchett's Evasion of Justice

Charged on December 26, 2024, Pritchett had already fled the country. Authorities confirmed his departure on December 9th to Doha, Qatar, on a one-way ticket. He is now reportedly located in Dubai, where he posted a video mocking the warrants and his situation. This contrasts with the unrelated case of former YouTube streamer Johnny Somali, who faces potential imprisonment in South Korea.

The future of Pritchett's case is uncertain. His willingness to return to the US to face justice is unknown. This situation is reminiscent of the 2023 kidnapping of YouTuber YourFellowArab in Haiti, who was eventually released after a harrowing experience with a local gang.

The unpredictable nature of this case highlights the risks faced by online personalities and the complexities of international legal proceedings.