With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today.
People vs. Karen, Part 3: Katie Sorenson Goes To Trial
Katie Sorensen and her attorney, Charles Dresow, listen as her sentence is read by judge Laura Passaglia during her sentencing at Sonoma County Superior Court in Santa Rosa on June 29, 2023.
(
Kent Porter
/
The Press Democrat
)
Listen
52:50
Nury & The Secret Tapes: Part 3
Host Antonia Cereijido presses former L.A. City Council President Nury Martinez to account for the racist, hurtful comments she made on the secret recording that rocked Los Angeles and led to her resignation. CONTENT WARNING: Sensitive subject matter. Support LAist Today: https://LAist.com/donate Go to Hellofresh.com/50imperfect and use code 50imperfect for 50% off plus 15% off the next 2 months! Grow your business–no matter what stage you’re in. Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at SHOPIFY.COM/paradise Support for this podcast is made possible by Gordon and Dona Crawford, who believe that quality journalism makes Los Angeles a better place to live. This program is made possible in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people.
Topline:
In the third episode of Imperfect Paradise: People vs. Karen, Katie Sorensen's criminal case heads to trial. The Sonoma County district attorney argues that Sorensen was an aspiring influencer who fabricated a sensational story to go viral. Will a jury find her guilty?
Imperfect Paradise: People vs. Karen tells the story of Sadie and Eddie Martinez, a Latino couple who were falsely accused of attempted kidnapping by a white woman in December 2020, and how they fought to hold her accountable.
What's in Episode 3: Sadie and Eddie Martinez take the witness stand and tell the jury no attempted kidnapping ever happened at the Michaels craft store in December 2020. Katie Sorensen also testifies — marking her first public appearance since making her viral Instagram video more than two years earlier.
Sponsored message
What's the prosecutor's argument? The prosecutor argues that Sorensen was an aspiring influencer who made up the entire attempted kidnapping story to gain followers and boost her online business, Motherhood Essentials.
What's Sorensen's defense? The defense attorney argues that Sorensen was extremely nervous at Michaels that day due to the pandemic, and she misinterpreted Eddie and Sadie Martinez's behavior as threatening. But he maintains Sorensen truly felt afraid, and did not knowingly file a false police report.
The question is: Did Sorensen knowingly lie to police about what happened? And can the prosecutor convince a jury of that, beyond a reasonable doubt?
Where can I listen?:
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
