A famous social media influencer who accused a couple of trying to kidnap her children has been convicted of lying about the incident.
Mom influencer Katie Sorensen, 31, uploaded a video with over four million views. In it, she claimed that strangers tried to kidnap her two young children on December 7, 2020, outside a Petaluma Michaels store.
According to the Sonoma County DA’s office, the videos were posted a week after Sorensen reported the supposed kidnapping attempt to the police. However, in the videos, it’s been noted that Sorensen described details of the incident that she hadn’t disclosed to the police.
The accused couple, Sadie and Eddie Martinez, said they recognized themselves in the photo and came forward to deny Sorensen’s accusations.
“She wanted a stronger following; she was looking for, you know, content for her name and her income, and at our expense,” Sadie Martinez said.
Sorensen’s attorney claims his client did not lie to the police.
“She misperceived and misunderstood a series of random events, which were occurring around her, and made a honest report to the police on December 7th,” Charles Dresow said.
Her attorney added that Sorensen realized she was wrong upon reviewing the evidence.
“I don’t think she had any understanding of how this would spread and the impact it would cause,” Dresow said.
But some legal experts said this verdict is about accountability.
“This is a woman who lied for clicks at the expense of a couple in California, who wrongly accused them of a very serious crime,” Danielle Cohen said.
