Liputan6.com, Jakarta Heston James, a TikTok influencer known for his viral prank videos, is now facing legal action.
Heston James, whose real name is Heston Cobb, was arrested on July 23, 2025, at his home in Tempe, Arizona, after a series of pranks he staged were deemed disruptive to business and illegal.
This arrest drew public attention given his popularity on social media.Tempe police stated that the actions of Heston James and his team were not just pranks, but criminal acts.
The videos, which often involved impersonating employees and disrupting businesses, have caused harm and distress to many people.
Heston James now faces serious charges that could land him behind bars.
Heston James' case highlights the line between entertaining content on social media and illegal acts.
With over 1.6 million followers on TikTok, his arrest has sparked widespread discussion about influencer responsibility and the consequences of harmful content.
Heston James Profile: From TikTok to Prison
Heston Cobb, better known by his stage name Heston James, is a popular figure on the TikTok platform.
His account, "@hestonjames," has amassed over 1.6 million followers thanks to his frequently viral prank videos.
In addition to TikTok, Heston James has also had an active YouTube channel since December 2014, further expanding his audience reach.
Heston James' primary content centers on prank videos, specifically "scream pranks," in which he screams loudly in a retail store.
After screaming, he pretends not to know where the sound is coming from, often confusing those around him.
He is also known for pranks involving impersonating employees at various businesses.
The 21-year-old influencer is based in Arizona, United States, where most of his pranks are filmed.
He often works with backup teams to distract attention and conceal his involvement in the pranks.
His meteoric rise to popularity through these controversial videos eventually landed him in legal trouble.
Prank that Ends Him in Criminal Prosecution
Between March and July 2025, Heston James and his associates carried out a series of pranks that significantly disrupted business operations.
One common tactic was the yelling prank, where he would make a loud noise in a public place and then act innocent.
This tactic is often referred to as "gaslighting" store employees.
Furthermore, Heston James and his team frequently impersonated employees at various major retail stores.
They would enter employee-only areas at places like Pep Boys, Hyland Auto Repair, Big Brand Tire & Service, Jiffy Lube, and Chipotle, dressed as staff.
There, they would begin "working" or causing a disturbance, refusing to leave even when asked by real staff.
One viral video shows Cobb dressed as a mechanic at Hyland Auto Repair, claiming to be "from the company" before a van full of pranksters arrived and began disrupting customers' cars.
Another video captured him at Chipotle, where he and a fake cleaning crew shouted instructions and grabbed supplies, prompting real employees to call the police.
Authorities confirmed that these actions were no longer just pranks, but serious violations of the law.
These videos, which generate millions of views, likely also generate significant revenue for Heston James.
Heston James Faces Heavy Sentence
Heston Cobb was arrested at his home on July 23, 2025, after the Tempe Police Department identified him as the ringleader behind a series of disturbing pranks.
An intensive investigation into his social media activity led to this arrest.
This case demonstrates the seriousness with which authorities are cracking down on unlawful online content.
Heston James was charged with a total of 13 serious criminal charges.
These charges include one count of third-degree burglary (felony), two counts of criminal impersonation (felony), five counts of disorderly conduct (misdemeanor), and five counts of trespassing (misdemeanor).
The number and nature of these charges reflect the serious impact his pranks had on businesses and the public.
If convicted and sentenced to the maximum penalty under Arizona law, Heston Cobb could face dire consequences.
He faces up to 9 years and 8 months in prison and a fine of more than $315,000.
The investigation into this case is ongoing, and police are working to identify other individuals involved in Heston James' prank videos.