Prominent YouTuber Faces Kidnapping Charges

Summary

• Popular YouTuber Corey Pritchett faces two counts of aggravated kidnapping and has fled the US for Doha, Qatar, and is now believed to be in Dubai.
• Pritchett posted a video online mocking the charges and his status as a fugitive.
• His return to the US and the ultimate resolution of the case remain uncertain.

YouTube personality Corey Pritchett is facing serious legal trouble. He's been charged with two counts of aggravated kidnapping following an incident in southwest Houston on November 24, 2024. The news has shocked his substantial online following.

Pritchett, known for his family vlogs, challenges, and pranks on his YouTube channels "CoreySSG" (approximately 4 million subscribers) and "CoreySSG Live" (over 1 million subscribers), gained popularity since starting his channel in 2016. One of his most viewed videos, "LET’S HAVE A BABY PRANK," boasts over 12 million views.

According to reports from ABC13, Pritchett allegedly kidnapped two women, aged 19 and 20, after meeting them at a gym. The women spent the day with him, engaging in activities such as ATV riding and bowling, before the situation escalated. Pritchett allegedly threatened them at gunpoint, drove them at high speed on I-10, and confiscated their phones, reportedly telling them he intended to kill them. The women stated 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 the police. Charged on December 26, 2024, with two counts of aggravated kidnapping, Pritchett had already fled the country. Authorities confirmed he departed for Doha, Qatar, on December 9th on a one-way ticket, and is now believed to be in Dubai. From there, he posted a video online, making light of the warrants and his situation, claiming to be "on the run." This contrasts with the serious nature of the allegations. The case of former YouTube streamer Johnny Somali, facing potential new charges in South Korea, is also noteworthy, although unrelated.

The future of this case is uncertain, and whether Pritchett will voluntarily return to the US to face charges remains unknown. The incident recalls the 2023 kidnapping of YouTuber YourFellowArab in Haiti, who was eventually released after being held for ransom by a Haitian gang. YourFellowArab later shared his harrowing experience online.