The State Targeted WhistlinDiesel's Ferrari, and Now He’s Targeting the State | Carscoops

      The YouTuber asserts that Tennessee officials did not inform him prior to issuing a warrant.

      17 hours ago

      by Stephen Rivers

      Detwiler states that the arrest was related to taxes on a Ferrari F8 registered in Montana. He claims that Tennessee failed to notify him before the indictment was issued and suggests that authorities are targeting owners who exploit Montana’s loopholes.

      Approximately ten days ago, Cody Detwiler, the creator of WhistlinDiesel, was arrested and charged with tax evasion. Initially, it was uncertain whether his previously burned Ferrari F8 Tributo was involved. Detwiler now confirms that it was indeed linked to his arrest.

      More: Millionaire Supercar Owners Are Avoiding Taxes And States Are Furious

      That being said, he seems determined to turn the tables on Tennessee officials. Instead of letting them set an example with him, he aims to do so with the state.

      What’s the Allegation?

      A state indictment claims that Detwiler and his company, WhistlinDiesel LLC, evaded state sales tax by registering the $400,000 Ferrari under a Montana entity instead of paying the sales tax in Tennessee. Detwiler asserts that he would have owed around $30,000 in taxes if he had registered the car in Tennessee.

      He also insists that the Ferrari was destroyed in Texas, driven through several states, and legally registered in Montana.

      In a YouTube video titled “I Got Arrested for ‘Tax Evasion,’” Detwiler describes the arrest in detail, showing officers approaching his driveway before putting him in handcuffs.

      He mentions that he thought it was a joke until they produced paperwork, adding that he had “zero clue” regarding the warrant and had not received any prior notification—no letters, calls, emails, or texts asking for payment or clarifying any tax issues.

      Detwiler Maintains He Was Never Notified

      Detwiler also dismisses early viral rumors of a $2 million bond, clarifying that the actual amount was $20,000. He describes his time in jail as surprisingly uneventful and jokes that some of the staff recognized him from his videos. He claims he would have been open to discussing payment if the state had contacted him before his arrest.

      Instead, he is convinced that Tennessee is attempting to make an example of him. “They want to create a stir because they know there will be videos… and why wouldn’t it intimidate people into re-registering their vehicles and paying all that sales tax?” he questions, stating, “I won’t tolerate that.”

      Taking the Fight Elsewhere

      What does he mean by this? For one, he is relocating out of the state and advising others to do the same. “I can’t stress enough, if you live in Tennessee… buy property in Montana. It’s a great place to live. I’m purchasing land there.”

      Furthermore, he seems quite willing to prolong the legal process, noting that the next phase of the trial won’t occur until January. While he didn’t elaborate on his strategy, it appears Tennessee may have overestimated the situation. Only time will reveal the outcome.

      Credit: WhistlinDiesel