YouTuber Cody Detwiler, known as WhistlinDiesel, has been arrested and charged with tax evasion in Tennessee, related to the purchase of his Ferrari F8 Tributo – the same vehicle he later infamously destroyed in a viral video. The case highlights growing scrutiny of how high-value assets are registered and taxed, especially among individuals and businesses exploiting interstate loopholes.
The Charges and Timeline
Detwiler and his company, WhistlinDiesel LLC, face a single count of tax evasion under Tennessee law, specifically for allegedly avoiding sales tax on the 2020 Ferrari. The indictment specifies that the evaded amount exceeds $500, triggering a Class E felony charge. His arraignment is scheduled for November 19 in Williamson County.
The legal process appears to have been triggered by the very content Detwiler himself produced: footage of the burning Ferrari prominently displaying Montana license plates. This detail may have raised questions about whether the purchase was properly taxed in Tennessee.
The Montana Registration Loophole
The case underscores a common tax avoidance strategy: registering high-value vehicles in states with more favorable tax laws, such as Montana. WhistlinDiesel LLC is registered in Montana, suggesting an attempt to leverage these interstate differences.
Many wealthy individuals and companies utilize this method to minimize state sales taxes, often registering vehicles under LLCs to further obscure ownership. State authorities are increasingly cracking down on this practice, as evidenced by the Tennessee charges.
Detwiler’s Response
Following his arrest, Detwiler posted videos and photos online, claiming innocence. He stated, “Won so big they thought I was cheating. (100% real not AI),” and later, “I didn’t do ANYTHING.” His online response suggests he views the charges as a result of his success rather than any wrongdoing.
Why This Matters
The case is more than just a celebrity scandal. It reveals how easily tax laws can be exploited through interstate registration loopholes. The Tennessee authorities’ pursuit of this case signals a broader effort to close these gaps and ensure fair tax collection. The outcome could set a precedent for how similar cases are handled in the future, particularly regarding high-value assets registered across state lines.
This case also demonstrates the power of publicly available content against individuals. Detwiler’s own videos, intended for entertainment, have become evidence in a criminal investigation, highlighting the risks of documenting potentially illegal activities online.
The charges against WhistlinDiesel will likely spark debate about tax avoidance strategies, state enforcement powers, and the intersection of online content and legal accountability
