Police say a social media influencer faces many charges after viral pranks disrupted several Tempe businesses.
Tempe police reported the arrest of 24-year-old Heston Cobb, also known as “Heston James” on social media, at his residence on Wednesday.
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Between March and July, numerous companies reported a group of guys masquerading as staff walking into their stores. Investigators said the gang entered employee-only facilities and refused to leave when requested. Cobb apparently posed as the “leader” and directed the rest of the gang to start “working.”
According to investigators, the crew carried out the pranks at Pep Boys, Hyland Auto Repair, Big Brand Tire & Service, Jiffy Lube, and Chipotle.
“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.”
Cobb posted the pranks on his social media platforms. Cobb’s social media posts have received millions of views, and he has more than a million TikTok and Instagram followers.
Cobb’s social media video shows him visiting Hyland Auto, dressed as a mechanic, informing an employee that he was from corporate and would be bringing in his staff. A van then comes up, and several men leap out to grab tools and go underneath customers’ vehicles. One employee yells, “Get out,” as Cobb continues to yell at the gathering to “get to work.”
While Hyland Auto owner David Hyland is pleased with the arrest, he tells Arizona’s Family that Cobb’s attempt to profit from harming his business disturbs him. “Hopefully this will put pressure on Instagram, YouTube, and all of the other platforms to really look at what people are posting,” he told me.
Cobb appears in another viral video, dressed as a Chipotle employee. He begins informing employees that he is bringing in a crew to “clean house.” A group then fills the eatery, dressed as Chipotle employees, and begins taking odd cleaning supplies.
“We have people trying to invade our store right now posing as employees,” one worker tells 911 over the phone. “They’re not leaving and they’re literally touching everything.”
Cobb was charged with five charges of disorderly conduct, five counts of criminal trespass, two counts of criminal impersonation, and one act of burglary.
This is not the first time a social media star has been arrested in the Valley for their acts on video. In December, 27-year-old Charles Smith videotaped himself spraying insect spray on food products in Mesa.
Tempe police are warning those looking to gain views at the expense of others. “This is actually going to get you charges, so are you ready to face the fact that you could be going to jail for a prank just to get some views?” said Ells.
There are others in Cobb’s videos. Tempe police stated they are still investigating the matter, and there may be additional arrests or charges in the future.
