Influencer who falsely accused Latino couple of trying to kidnap her kids is criminally charged [View all]

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A California Instagram influencer who accused a Latino couple of plotting to kidnap her children in a video that went viral has been charged with giving false information to police, according to the Petaluma Argus Courier.

Katie Sorensen is facing two misdemeanor charges after she accused the couple of attempting to kidnap her two children on Dec. 7 at a local Michaels crafts store. She made the accusations in two Instagram videos on Dec. 13 that ended up being viewed by 4.5 million people.

“My children were the targets of attempted kidnap,” Sorensen said in the video. “I want to share that story with you in an effort to raise awareness.”

“I heard them talking about the features of my children, but I was totally paralyzed with fear,” Sorensen said. “I just couldn’t bring myself to say anything.”

The accused couple, Sadie and Eddie Martinez, are longtime residents of Petaluma and are parents to five children. After months of campaigning to have Sorensen held accountable, they said they’re happy to hear the news of the charges.

“We’re very happy with the news,” Sadie said a few hours after learning of the charges. “It’s a nice step toward justice. It gives you hope.”

“This isn’t the first racist injustice to occur in Petaluma by a long shot, but we are definitely grateful that in this case the truth was rightfully pursued,” she added.

https://deadstate.org/instagram-influencer-who-falsely-accused-latino-couple-of-trying-to-kidnap-her-kids-is-criminally-charged/