
A California Instagram influencer who accused a Latino couple of plotting to kidnap her children in a video that went viral and who was later charged with giving false information to police was found guilty this Wednesday, The Press Democrat reported.
Katie Sorensen accused the couple of attempting to kidnap her two children on Dec. 7, 2021, at a local Michaels crafts store. She made the accusations in two Instagram videos 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.”
Sorensen was convicted Wednesday of one count of making a false report of a crime.
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, Sorensen was finally charged.
Watch her video below:
Katie Sorensen says strangers tried to kidnap her kids outside the Petaluma @MichaelsStores after following them around inside. Her @instagram video (partial here) has hit 2M views. @petaluma_police investigating. She & @PollyDad speak out to @KTVU 5:15, 6:15, 7:30 p.m. pic.twitter.com/cG0wnm2JgQ
— Henry K. Lee (@henrykleeKTVU) December 15, 2020