Prominent YouTuber Faces Kidnapping Charges

Summary

• Popular YouTuber Corey Pritchett faces two counts of aggravated kidnapping and has fled the U.S.
• Pritchett posted a video mocking the charges while reportedly on the run in Dubai.
• His return to the U.S. and the case's outcome remain uncertain.

Popular YouTube content creator Corey Pritchett is facing serious allegations. He's been charged with two counts of aggravated kidnapping. Adding to the shock for his followers, authorities report Pritchett left the country shortly after the charges were filed.

Corey Pritchett, known for his engaging online presence, started his YouTube career in 2016, building a substantial following across two channels, "CoreySSG" (approximately 4 million subscribers) and "CoreySSG Live" (over 1 million subscribers). His videos, often family vlogs, challenges, and pranks, have garnered millions of views, with one video, "LET’S HAVE A BABY PRANK," exceeding 12 million views.

The alleged kidnapping incident occurred on November 24, 2024, in southwest Houston. According to ABC13, two women (ages 19 and 20) met Pritchett at a gym and spent the day with him. The situation escalated when Pritchett allegedly threatened them at gunpoint, driving at high speeds on I-10, confiscating their phones, and telling them he planned to kill them. The women reported Pritchett appeared anxious, believing someone was targeting him, and mentioned previous accusations of arson. After stopping his vehicle, he allegedly told the women they had one chance to escape. They walked for over an hour before finding help and contacting the police.

Corey Pritchett Flees the Country

Pritchett was charged on December 26, 2024, with two counts of aggravated kidnapping, but he had already fled. Authorities confirmed he flew to Doha, Qatar, on December 9th on a one-way ticket and is now believed to be in Dubai. From there, he reportedly uploaded a video mocking the warrants, stating he was "on the run" and making light of the situation. This contrasts with the serious nature of the allegations, which echo other high-profile cases involving content creators facing legal trouble. For example, former YouTube streamer Johnny Somali is also facing potential jail time in South Korea (though unrelated).

The outcome of Pritchett's case remains uncertain, and whether he will return to the U.S. to face the charges is unknown. The incident highlights the potential risks faced by online personalities and recalls the 2023 kidnapping of YouTuber YourFellowArab in Haiti, who was later released after a harrowing experience with a Haitian gang.