YouTube/EWU
Police bodycam footage showing the arrest of TikTok prankster Heston James has been revealed as the influencer faces up to 20 years behind bars.
21-year-old Heston Cobb, who goes by Heston James on TikTok, was arrested on July 23, 2025 after police connected him to multiple incidents where he allegedly pretended to work at local businesses and filmed the disruption for content.
One viral clip showed Cobb dressed as a mechanic at Hyland Auto Repair, telling staff he was “from corporate” before a van of pranksters arrived and began crawling under customers’ cars. The video racked up over 12 million views.
Similar stunts also reportedly took place at Pep Boys, Big Brand Tire, Jiffy Lube, Hyland Auto Repair, and Chipotle, where Cobb and his crew dressed as staff and entered areas intended for employees only.
On May 1, YouTube channel EWU revealed police bodycam footage of the authorities investigating the incidents and subsequently arresting the prankster.
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Police find business uniforms and journal while arresting TikTok prankster Heston James
In the footage, police showed up at James’ residence with a search warrant and demanded he come outside.
After he opened the door and stepped out, he was quickly handcuffed and hit with multiple charges as the authorities searched his house for evidence.
During the search, police discovered Meta AI glasses, and uniforms of multiple businesses such as Target, Home Depot, Amazon, and UPS.
YouTube/EWU
The authorities also uncovered what is believed to be Heston’s journal where he plotted prank videos and goals, including reaching a million followers.
Heston James now faces 20 years behind bars after viral TikTok pranks
Originally, Cobb was facing a total of 13 charges, including 1 count of burglary, 2 counts of criminal impersonation, 5 counts of disorderly conduct, and 5 counts of criminal trespass.
Now, according to Maricopa County court documents, those charges have been modified and the possible prison time has been increased.
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The court records now state that Cobb is facing 3 counts of Burglary in the Third Degree, 3 counts of Criminal Impersonation, 5 counts of Disorderly Conduct, and 2 counts of Criminal Trespass in the Second Degree.
Under Arizona sentencing guidelines, Cobb could theoretically face up to 20 years and 5 months behind bars if convicted on all counts and handed maximum consecutive sentences. However, that does not mean he is likely to receive the maximum possible sentence.
Each of the three counts of Burglary in the Third Degree is a Class 4 felony that carries a maximum aggravated sentence of 3.75 years in prison for a first-time offender. If convicted on all three counts and sentenced to the maximum consecutive terms, Cobb could face up to 11.25 years in prison on the burglary charges alone.
Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office/Instagram
Kick star Adin Ross had previously revealed he intends to help James by paying for his legal fees.
“I’m gonna help him, f**k it. Let’s help him out. Tell Heston I got him. My lawyer wants to take on this case. We’re gonna get him out of there,” Ross said in an August 2025 broadcast. “I ain’t gonna lie, though. These fees are about to be six figures, but he’s a kid. I’ll do it.”
Cobb’s trial is currently set for July, 2026 and comes as more creators are facing legal consequences for their content.
Notably, South Korea sentenced streamer Johnny Somali to six months in prison with labor after causing chaos across the country.
Meanwhile, in Canada, YouTuber Fique Ayub was arrested after he yelled “gun” in a crowded movie theater for content.
