Topline: YouTuber Cody Detwiler says he was blindsided by his Tennessee tax evasion indictment tied to a destroyed Ferrari.
Published: December 3, 2025 2:23 pm ET
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Cody Detwiler of “WhistlinDiesel” (via YouTube)
FRANKLIN, TN — YouTube personality Cody Detwiler was arrested on two felony counts of tax evasion in Tennessee related to the purchase of a Ferrari F8 Tributo.
Detwiler is the creator of the popular automotive channel “WhistlinDiesel,” where he films videos of destructive stunts with high-end vehicles. His channel has a huge following, boasting over 10 million subscribers on YouTube.
The indictment from the Tennessee Department of Revenue alleges Detwiler and his business, WhistlinDiesel LLC, attempted to evade approximately $30,000 in sales tax on the sports car.
Detwiler was released after posting a $20,000 bond and has vowed to fight the charges, claiming state officials did not contact him before his arrest.
The 27-year-old internet star has since released a video stating he is ready for a protracted legal battle against the state, according to reports from The Drive.
The charges stem from Detwiler’s registration of the roughly $400,000 Ferrari. The vehicle drew attention after it was destroyed in a fire in August 2023. Detwiler had driven it through a Texas cornfield during a stunt he recorded for his channel.
The vehicle was titled and registered in Montana, a state that does not impose sales tax on vehicle purchases. Detwiler, however, is a resident of Tennessee.
He acknowledged that the Montana registration was chosen because of the state’s tax laws. The practice is commonly used by luxury car buyers to avoid paying sales tax in their home states.
Detwiler claims that the car did not spend the majority of its time in Tennessee before it was destroyed, but split its time across various states. He also stated that he plans to move his business to Montana.
In a video posted Nov. 23, Detwiler claimed he was blindsided by the charges. He stated that six Tennessee state police officers arrived at his property with an arrest warrant.
The YouTuber claimed he had not received any letter or notice regarding the tax bill from Tennessee, as reported by the Times of India.
Detwiler suggested state officials could have pursued a more cooperative resolution. He argued the matter could have been handled privately instead of leading to an arrest.
Two Class E felony counts of attempting to evade or defeat state tax of $500 or more have been filed against Detwiler. Less than three hours after his booking, he was released from the Williamson County Jail.
He also pointed out the irony of the charges concerning a car that “does not exist” anymore, since the Ferrari was destroyed and later crushed, according to the Times of India.
Detwiler believes officers targeted him because his public profile would “make a wave through the luxury car community.” He suggested the move was meant to pressure other car owners to pay taxes in their home states, according to Taste of Country.
Detwiler’s next court appearance is scheduled for early 2026, and he expects the legal proceedings to last for years.
To secure funds for his legal defense, Detwiler launched a new line of merchandise featuring his mugshot. He says his company will cover the sales tax on all merchandise sold, as per his social media statements.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
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‘WhistlinDiesel’ Detwiler Vows to Fight Felony Tax Evasion Charges in Tennessee
YouTuber Cody Detwiler says he was blindsided by his Tennessee tax evasion indictment tied to a destroyed Ferrari.
By Kate Byrd
Published: December 3, 2025 2:23 pm ET
Cody Detwiler of “WhistlinDiesel” (via YouTube)
FRANKLIN, TN — YouTube personality Cody Detwiler was arrested on two felony counts of tax evasion in Tennessee related to the purchase of a Ferrari F8 Tributo.
Detwiler is the creator of the popular automotive channel “WhistlinDiesel,” where he films videos of destructive stunts with high-end vehicles. His channel has a huge following, boasting over 10 million subscribers on YouTube.
The indictment from the Tennessee Department of Revenue alleges Detwiler and his business, WhistlinDiesel LLC, attempted to evade approximately $30,000 in sales tax on the sports car.
Detwiler was released after posting a $20,000 bond and has vowed to fight the charges, claiming state officials did not contact him before his arrest.
The 27-year-old internet star has since released a video stating he is ready for a protracted legal battle against the state, according to reports from The Drive.
The charges stem from Detwiler’s registration of the roughly $400,000 Ferrari. The vehicle drew attention after it was destroyed in a fire in August 2023. Detwiler had driven it through a Texas cornfield during a stunt he recorded for his channel.
The vehicle was titled and registered in Montana, a state that does not impose sales tax on vehicle purchases. Detwiler, however, is a resident of Tennessee.
He acknowledged that the Montana registration was chosen because of the state’s tax laws. The practice is commonly used by luxury car buyers to avoid paying sales tax in their home states.
Detwiler claims that the car did not spend the majority of its time in Tennessee before it was destroyed, but split its time across various states. He also stated that he plans to move his business to Montana.
In a video posted Nov. 23, Detwiler claimed he was blindsided by the charges. He stated that six Tennessee state police officers arrived at his property with an arrest warrant.
The YouTuber claimed he had not received any letter or notice regarding the tax bill from Tennessee, as reported by the Times of India.
Detwiler suggested state officials could have pursued a more cooperative resolution. He argued the matter could have been handled privately instead of leading to an arrest.
Two Class E felony counts of attempting to evade or defeat state tax of $500 or more have been filed against Detwiler. Less than three hours after his booking, he was released from the Williamson County Jail.
He also pointed out the irony of the charges concerning a car that “does not exist” anymore, since the Ferrari was destroyed and later crushed, according to the Times of India.
Detwiler believes officers targeted him because his public profile would “make a wave through the luxury car community.” He suggested the move was meant to pressure other car owners to pay taxes in their home states, according to Taste of Country.
Detwiler’s next court appearance is scheduled for early 2026, and he expects the legal proceedings to last for years.
To secure funds for his legal defense, Detwiler launched a new line of merchandise featuring his mugshot. He says his company will cover the sales tax on all merchandise sold, as per his social media statements.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
Editor's Note: ThePo makes every effort to accurately transcribe the contents of affidavits of probable cause contained in criminal complaints. Often, the complaints themselves are copies of copies of faxed copies, and are difficult to read. To confirm the accuracy of our transcription, contact the Magisterial District Court listed above and request a copy of the criminal complaint. It's a public record to which you are entitled.
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Editor Picks
Latest Articles
‘WhistlinDiesel’ Detwiler Vows to Fight Felony Tax Evasion Charges in Tennessee
YouTuber Cody Detwiler says he was blindsided by his Tennessee tax evasion indictment tied to a destroyed Ferrari.
By Kate Byrd
Published: December 3, 2025 2:23 pm ET
Cody Detwiler of “WhistlinDiesel” (via YouTube)
FRANKLIN, TN — YouTube personality Cody Detwiler was arrested on two felony counts of tax evasion in Tennessee related to the purchase of a Ferrari F8 Tributo.
Detwiler is the creator of the popular automotive channel “WhistlinDiesel,” where he films videos of destructive stunts with high-end vehicles. His channel has a huge following, boasting over 10 million subscribers on YouTube.
The indictment from the Tennessee Department of Revenue alleges Detwiler and his business, WhistlinDiesel LLC, attempted to evade approximately $30,000 in sales tax on the sports car.
Detwiler was released after posting a $20,000 bond and has vowed to fight the charges, claiming state officials did not contact him before his arrest.
The 27-year-old internet star has since released a video stating he is ready for a protracted legal battle against the state, according to reports from The Drive.
The charges stem from Detwiler’s registration of the roughly $400,000 Ferrari. The vehicle drew attention after it was destroyed in a fire in August 2023. Detwiler had driven it through a Texas cornfield during a stunt he recorded for his channel.
The vehicle was titled and registered in Montana, a state that does not impose sales tax on vehicle purchases. Detwiler, however, is a resident of Tennessee.
He acknowledged that the Montana registration was chosen because of the state’s tax laws. The practice is commonly used by luxury car buyers to avoid paying sales tax in their home states.
Detwiler claims that the car did not spend the majority of its time in Tennessee before it was destroyed, but split its time across various states. He also stated that he plans to move his business to Montana.
In a video posted Nov. 23, Detwiler claimed he was blindsided by the charges. He stated that six Tennessee state police officers arrived at his property with an arrest warrant.
The YouTuber claimed he had not received any letter or notice regarding the tax bill from Tennessee, as reported by the Times of India.
Detwiler suggested state officials could have pursued a more cooperative resolution. He argued the matter could have been handled privately instead of leading to an arrest.
Two Class E felony counts of attempting to evade or defeat state tax of $500 or more have been filed against Detwiler. Less than three hours after his booking, he was released from the Williamson County Jail.
He also pointed out the irony of the charges concerning a car that “does not exist” anymore, since the Ferrari was destroyed and later crushed, according to the Times of India.
Detwiler believes officers targeted him because his public profile would “make a wave through the luxury car community.” He suggested the move was meant to pressure other car owners to pay taxes in their home states, according to Taste of Country.
Detwiler’s next court appearance is scheduled for early 2026, and he expects the legal proceedings to last for years.
To secure funds for his legal defense, Detwiler launched a new line of merchandise featuring his mugshot. He says his company will cover the sales tax on all merchandise sold, as per his social media statements.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
Editor's Note: ThePo makes every effort to accurately transcribe the contents of affidavits of probable cause contained in criminal complaints. Often, the complaints themselves are copies of copies of faxed copies, and are difficult to read. To confirm the accuracy of our transcription, contact the Magisterial District Court listed above and request a copy of the criminal complaint. It's a public record to which you are entitled.
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