Cody Detwiler, known as WhistlinDiesel on YouTube and other social media platforms, was recently arrested in Tennessee. He was charged with two felony counts of alleged tax evasion.

Detwiler, 27, was later released on bond from Williamson County Court. He claims authorities are trying to make an example out of him because of his many followers and that he is innocent.

His WhistlinDiesel YouTube account has over 10 million followers. Detwiler also has another 5.7 million-plus followers on Instagram.

In 2023, he infamously purchased a $400,000 Ferrari F8 Tributo just to destroy it. While he lives in Tennessee, Cody Detwiler registered the Ferrari in Montana. This is not an uncommon practice for owners of expensive cars because Montana does not charge sales tax or require emissions testing, and charges low registration fees. This is technically illegal if you are a non-resident or do not conduct business in the state, but it is rarely enforced. Until now, apparently.

Cody Detwiler speaks out about his arrest for tax evasion

“Yes I was arrested and it’s 100% real,” Detwiler wrote in an initial post on Instagram. “Six cops showed up at my door and said they had a warrant for ‘tax evasion.’ They didn’t explain why or how or when, and I still don’t know. After the cops squeezing the handcuffs super tight I got taken to jail and spent a few hours there until my team bailed me out. I got a cell and everything. I have ALWAYS paid ALL of my taxes and I’m still not sure what this is all for, I didn’t get a notice of any sort leading up to this.”

In a follow-up post on his Instagram Stories, Cody Detwiler wrote, “This entire thing is about registering my Ferrari F8 in Montana (the car that burned down). Montana doesn’t require sales tax on vehicles.”

He added, “They have an angle that this is tax evasion. Do not move your Montana registrations to TN. This is exactly what they want and why they are trying to go after me. They think it will make a wave through the luxury car community and bring in tax money.”

Interestingly, Cody Detwiler openly admits that registering the Ferrari in Montana helped him avoid paying “possibly $30,000 in sales tax.”

Detwiler’s first hearing was set for November 19. However, in another Instagram post, he wrote, “Update: court appearance was waived so I will not be there this time.” If and when he has to go to court, he says he wants to arrive in his “Killdozer.”