Cody Detwiler, a popular YouTuber known for his WhistlinDiesel channel, was arrested earlier this month for allegedly evading taxes related to his purchase of a $400,000 Ferrari F8 Tributo. The car, which was used in a “durability test” series, ended up being set on fire and destroyed in one of Detwiler’s viral videos. Detwiler, 27, now faces charges of “unlawfully and willfully” evading tax in the amount of $500 or more, as stated in Williamson County Circuit Court documents.
Detwiler had bought the Ferrari in 2023 for a series of brutal tests, which included driving it through dirt roads, hitting it with rocks and fruit, and even setting it on fire. The vehicle, registered in Montana, where there is no sales tax, has raised questions regarding the tax evasion charges, as Tennessee’s sales tax could have added up to $40,000 to the car’s total cost.
After his arrest, Detwiler took to Instagram to comment on the situation. In his first post, which included his mugshot, he joked, “Won so big they thought I was cheating. (100% real not AI),” likely referencing a previous staged arrest in 2022 for another video. In a follow-up post, Detwiler shared a video of himself being escorted by police officers while in handcuffs, explaining that he had never received any prior notice and was unclear about the charges. His Instagram followers were also informed that he had made bail, which was set at $20,000.
The tax evasion charges are classified as a Class E felony, which carries a sentence of one to six years in prison and a fine of up to $3,000 if Detwiler is found guilty. In addition to Detwiler himself, his business, WhistlinDiesel LLC, is also facing similar charges. The Montana registration of the Ferrari may play a significant role in the case, as it bypasses Tennessee’s sales tax, raising suspicion that Detwiler may have used this loophole to avoid paying taxes on the luxury vehicle.
The Ferrari featured in multiple videos on the WhistlinDiesel channel, where Detwiler subjected the car to extreme abuse. One video, which has garnered over 7 million views, shows Detwiler drifting the Ferrari on dirt roads, cutting off the mirrors, and even driving with a capybara in the front seat. The final video in the series, with over 16 million views, shows the car being driven through a dry cornfield, where the flammable husks ignited, causing the Ferrari to catch fire. Both the Ferrari and a rental van parked nearby were completely destroyed in the blaze.
The case has raised questions about the legality of Detwiler’s stunts and the potential consequences of evading taxes on high-value vehicles. As of now, Detwiler and his legal team are awaiting further developments and court dates.
