TikTok Influencer Arrested After Pranks Enter Criminal Territory

What started as viral prank content has now landed TikTok influencer Heston James (real name Heston Cobb) in serious legal trouble.

The Arizona-based creator was arrested in Tempe this week after months of filming disruptive pranks at local businesses under the guise of being an employee or corporate representative. While the content brought in millions of views, the consequences may now include felony charges.

Disrupting Businesses for Views

Cobb and his team allegedly entered multiple businesses across Tempe between March and July, including Pep Boys, Jiffy Lube, Chipotle, and Hyland Auto Repair. Dressed in uniforms, they pretended to be part of the companies’ corporate teams or hired mechanics, then staged fake inspections, cleaned cars without consent, or tried to take over operations — all while filming for content.

In one widely circulated video, Cobb storms into a mechanic shop claiming he’s there to do a surprise inspection. Other clips show him crawling under customer cars, leading a fake clean-up crew into a Chipotle, and refusing to leave when asked by actual employees.

Serious Legal Consequences for the Influencer

Tempe police confirmed that Cobb was arrested and charged with one count of third-degree burglary, two counts of criminal impersonation, five counts of criminal trespass, and five counts of disorderly conduct. While the pranks may have seemed harmless to viewers, the police say they caused real disruptions and financial harm to the businesses involved.

Authorities made it clear that these weren’t harmless internet stunts. Business owners reported having to shut down temporarily, calm worried employees, and deal with confused customers. The stunts may have generated laughs online, but they left real-world damage behind.

Community Reacts

Local business owners expressed frustration and concern. Some noted that employees felt unsafe, while others emphasized how these pranks wasted time and cost them money. One shop owner called the events “completely disrespectful,” adding that people need to “know the line between content and criminal behavior.”

Meanwhile, Cobb’s supporters on social media are divided. Some say he’s being targeted for just trying to make content, while others believe he went too far by crossing boundaries and violating people’s trust.

Social Media Fame Comes at a Price for an Influencer

The arrest of Heston James adds to a growing trend of content creators facing legal backlash for reckless behavior. As platforms continue to reward outrageous content with clicks and virality, more influencers may find themselves in hot water when their stunts turn from funny to felonious.

For now, Cobb is awaiting trial and could face up to several years in prison if convicted on all counts. Tempe police have urged any additional business owners affected by the pranks to come forward as the investigation continues.

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