Summary
- Popular YouTuber Corey Pritchett is charged with two counts of aggravated kidnapping and is a fugitive from US justice.
- Pritchett, currently believed to be in Dubai, posted a video taunting authorities and the allegations.
- His potential return to the US and the ultimate resolution of the case remain unknown.
Corey Pritchett, a prominent YouTube personality with millions of subscribers across two channels, is facing serious legal trouble. He's been indicted on two counts of aggravated kidnapping following an incident on November 24, 2024, in southwest Houston. The allegations, which have shocked his fanbase, involve the alleged abduction and intimidation of two young women, ages 19 and 20.
Pritchett, known for family vlogs, challenges, and pranks, reportedly met the women at a gym. Their day of activities, including ATV riding and bowling, took a sinister turn when Pritchett allegedly threatened them with a firearm, sped away on I-10, and confiscated their phones, claiming someone was targeting him and even mentioning prior accusations of arson. After stopping the vehicle, he allegedly gave the women a chance to escape, leading to a harrowing ordeal before they were able to contact authorities.
Pritchett's Flight and Mocking Video
Charged on December 26th, 2024, Pritchett had already fled the country. He reportedly flew to Doha, Qatar, on December 9th on a one-way ticket and is now believed to be in Dubai. While there, he posted a video online, seemingly making light of the warrants for his arrest and his status as a fugitive. This contrasts sharply with the serious nature of the accusations against him. The case highlights a concerning trend, echoing other recent legal issues involving online content creators. Another example is former YouTube streamer Johnny Somali, who faces potential imprisonment in South Korea, though his case is unrelated.
Uncertain Future
The future of this case remains uncertain. Whether Pritchett will voluntarily return to the United States to face the charges against him is unknown. The situation is reminiscent of the 2023 kidnapping of YouTuber YourFellowArab in Haiti, a harrowing experience he later documented for his followers. The contrast between Pritchett's seemingly flippant online demeanor and the severity of the allegations against him underscores the gravity of the situation.
