Heston James Cobb admitted to the charge after Tempe police linked him to videos in which people posed as workers and disrupted several local businesses.
Heston James Cobb, an Arizona social media creator known online as Heston James, pleaded guilty Friday, August 28, to criminal impersonation in a case stemming from prank videos filmed at businesses in and around Tempe.
Police said Cobb and others entered businesses while posing as employees, went into staff-only areas and refused requests to leave. Tempe police identified Cobb as the leader of the group after connecting a series of incidents reported between March and July 2025.
The businesses named by police included Chipotle, Pep Boys, Hyland Auto Repair, Big Brand Tire & Service and Jiffy Lube. In a video filmed at Chipotle, Cobb wore a company shirt and told employees he was there to “clean house” before others entered the restaurant, according to reporting by The Associated Press and Fox News.
Cobb was arrested on July 23, 2025. At the time, police said he was booked on allegations including third-degree burglary, criminal impersonation, disorderly conduct and criminal trespass. His guilty plea was to criminal impersonation; the reports reviewed did not specify a sentence or the disposition of the other original allegations.
Investigators said the videos received millions of views and may have produced substantial income. Cobb’s attorney declined comment to the Associated Press, while Fox News reported that a request for comment sent through her law firm had not received an immediate response.
