Getty Image
An Arizona-based TikToker is facing serious jail time over his pranks.
21-year-old Heston Cobb, known as Heston James on TikTok, where he has 1.6 million followers, made a name for himself pranking local businesses by dressing up as employees.
One viral prank with millions of views shows James and his friends pranking a local auto repair shop by pretending to be a corporate manager.
Cobb has since been arrested for his pranks and is facing a total of 13 charges, including Burglary, criminal impersonation, disorderly conduct, and trespassing.
Detectives started to link the cases after a series of these pranks occurred in Tempe at the beginning of July. Diligent police work connected 21-year-old Heston Cobb to the social media platforms as the leader of these pranks.
The Tempe Police Department arrested Cobb yesterday at his home and served a search warrant. Cobb was booked for the following charges:
1 count of Burglary in the Third Degree
2 counts of Criminal Impersonation
5 counts of Disorderly Conduct
5 counts of Criminal Trespass
“These videos are definitely not pranks. They are crossing the line from something that’s fun and playful into criminal territory. They’re breaking laws,” said Tempe Police Officer Jessica Ells. “They are going into these businesses and impersonating the employees. That actually is a felony charge.”
🚨 Pranks have consequences.
Tempe PD arrested influencer Heston Cobb after viral videos showed him impersonating employees and disrupting Tempe businesses.
He now faces charges including burglary, impersonation, and trespassing.
Read more: https://t.co/YHnnYr8LPH pic.twitter.com/qRSofAdq9o
— Tempe Police Department (@TempePolice) July 25, 2025
All in all, Cobb is facing 9 years in prison if found guilty of all charges.