Summary
- Popular YouTuber Corey Pritchett is charged with aggravated kidnapping and has fled to the Middle East.
- Pritchett posted a video from Dubai, making light of the charges and his escape.
- His potential return to the US and the case's outcome remain uncertain.
YouTube star Corey Pritchett faces serious allegations: two counts of aggravated kidnapping. The news shocked many fans after it emerged that he left the US shortly after the charges were filed.
Pritchett, a well-known US-based content creator, built his online presence through family vlogs, challenges, and pranks since starting his YouTube journey in 2016. While not a top-tier YouTuber, his channels, "CoreySSG" (around 4 million subscribers) and "CoreySSG Live" (over 1 million subscribers), have garnered significant followings. One video, "LET’S HAVE A BABY PRANK," boasts over 12 million views.
The alleged kidnapping incident occurred on November 24, 2024, in southwest Houston. According to ABC13, Pritchett met two women (ages 19 and 20) at a gym. After a day of activities including ATV riding and bowling, he allegedly threatened them at gunpoint, sped away on I-10, confiscated their phones, and threatened to kill them. The women reported Pritchett appeared anxious, believing someone was targeting him, and mentioned previous 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 his December 9th departure to Doha, Qatar, on a one-way ticket, and his current location is reportedly Dubai. From there, he posted a video downplaying the warrants, claiming to be "on the run," and joking about the situation. This contrasts with the serious legal predicament faced by another former YouTuber, Johnny Somali, who is facing potential new charges in South Korea.
The future of this case is uncertain. Whether Pritchett will return to face US authorities remains unknown. The incident highlights the risks faced by online personalities, as seen in the 2023 kidnapping of YouTuber YourFellowArab in Haiti, who was later released after a harrowing experience with a Haitian gang.
