When Sensationalism Ends in Arrest
In April of this year, Katie Sorensen was convicted by a Sonoma County jury for filing a false police report. For those of us working to combat human trafficking, this was a win. To some, it might not seem like a big deal — people exaggerate to the police all the time, right? Maybe she was just mistaken? Wrong.
If you’re not familiar with Katie Sorensen, she was an MLM (multi-level marketing) “boss babe” influencer who sold CBD products. One day, she accused a Hispanic couple of attempting to kidnap her two children while they were shopping at a craft store. Katie later made a video about the alleged incident on her MLM page, which went viral, racking up millions of views and earning her thousands of new followers. As her trial unfolded, it became clear that Katie’s claims were not only false but were also fueled by her obsession with sensationalized posts and conspiracy theories tied to QAnon.
The timing of this case is important. Back in 2020, when the pandemic kept us isolated and glued to our screens, we saw a flood of posts about “sex trafficking tactics.” These posts warned of things like zip ties on car doors or roses left under windshield wipers, claiming they were methods traffickers used to abduct victims. These stories spread like wildfire on social media, gaining thousands of shares and views. Meanwhile, educational posts from actual survivors and nonprofits fighting trafficking barely got a fraction of the attention. When I tried to point out that these “tactics” were unverified, people would say, “Well, it can’t hurt to share, right?” Actually, it can — and it does.
False stories about trafficking gain traction because they tap into our deepest fears. They play on our need to protect ourselves and our loved ones, creating a sense of urgency. But these stories often rely on sensationalism and exaggeration, making them more attention-grabbing than factual resources. They may get clicks, but they come with serious consequences.
For starters, they spread unnecessary fear. I’ve seen parents obsessively checking their surroundings or refusing to go certain places because they’re convinced a trafficker is waiting to snatch their child. These stories distract from the real issues, misinforming people about what trafficking actually looks like. For example, most trafficking doesn’t involve strangers grabbing kids off the street — it’s far more likely to involve someone the victim knows and trusts, such as a family member or a romantic partner.
Then there’s the harm to people like the Hispanic couple in Katie’s story. Her false accusation didn’t just waste police resources; it targeted two innocent community members of color, subjecting them to public suspicion and stigma. Imagine the impact on their lives — the fear, humiliation, and mistrust they now face in their own community. Cases like this perpetuate harmful stereotypes and deepen racial biases.
False narratives also hurt anti-trafficking efforts. They divert resources and attention away from evidence-based prevention and intervention programs. Organizations that work tirelessly to address trafficking and support survivors often struggle to cut through the noise of these sensationalized claims. It’s frustrating to see energy poured into fighting myths instead of addressing real, systemic issues.
Katie’s case highlights how easily people can fall victim to conspiracy theories and misinformation, especially in times of heightened anxiety. Her fixation on sensationalized stories likely made her more susceptible to believing and acting on false narratives about child abduction. Her actions remind us how critical it is to fact-check and verify information before sharing or acting on it — particularly on sensitive topics like human trafficking and child safety.
We’ve all seen how quickly conspiracy theories can spread online. From “Pizzagate” to urban myths about white vans parked in neighborhoods, these narratives thrive on fear and shareability. It’s up to us to approach these stories with skepticism and ask tough questions: Is this credible? Where is this information coming from? Has it been verified?
Katie Sorensen’s conviction is a reminder of the power and responsibility we each have when it comes to the information we consume and share. Misinformation isn’t harmless; it creates unnecessary fear, damages lives, and undermines real progress. By being critical thinkers and focusing on evidence-based solutions, we can help shift the conversation back to what really matters — supporting survivors and addressing the root causes of human trafficking.
The next time you see a post about trafficking tactics, pause and think. Sharing sensationalized stories might seem harmless, but they can have real-world consequences. Instead, consider amplifying voices of survivors, donating to credible organizations, or educating yourself on the realities of trafficking. That’s how we make a real difference.
