YouTube creator Cody Detwiler, known for his viral WhistlinDiesel stunts, was arrested on Wednesday, November 13, 2025, on two counts of tax evasion related to his 2020 Ferrari F8 Tributo purchase. The indictment, filed in Williamson County, Tennessee, cites unpaid sales tax connected to the high-value vehicle. Detwiler, who shared arrest footage on his Instagram, posted his mugshot and captioned it: “Won so big they thought I was cheating.” He has since been released on a $20,000 bond. The first hearing is scheduled for November 19, 2025, at 8:55 a.m. local time.
Tax Charges and Vehicle Background
Detwiler faces charges under Tennessee Code Annotated 67-1-1440(g), a Class E felony, for attempting to evade taxes exceeding $500 on the Ferrari F8 Tributo. This vehicle previously appeared in WhistlinDiesel content, including a viral video where the car caught fire alongside a rental van in a cornfield, accumulating over 16 million views. Tennessee’s 7% state sales tax, coupled with additional local taxes, could have applied to the $400,000 purchase if the Montana plates used to register the car were not properly documented.
Statements and Reactions
Detwiler addressed his followers on Instagram, claiming his actions were misunderstood: “Won so big they thought I was cheating. (100% real not AI).” While no public comment has been issued by Tennessee authorities beyond the indictment, legal analysts note that out-of-state registration loopholes have frequently been scrutinized in high-value vehicle cases. Experts in automotive tax law emphasize that using another state’s registration to avoid local sales tax can result in felony charges if determined to be intentional.
Implications for WhistlinDiesel and Tax Enforcement
The arrest brings significant scrutiny to Detwiler and the WhistlinDiesel brand, whose reputation is built on extreme vehicle stunts. Legal experts suggest a conviction could involve fines, restitution, or jail time, depending on the court’s findings. Beyond Detwiler, the case highlights potential changes in how Tennessee and other states monitor supercar purchases with out-of-state registration, potentially affecting automotive content creators and high-end vehicle collectors nationwide.
Court Hearing and Legal Proceedings
Cody Detwiler’s first court appearance is set for November 19, 2025, in Williamson County, Tennessee. Legal representatives for Detwiler have not provided additional statements. The outcome of this hearing may set the tone for plea discussions or trial preparation. Fans and automotive enthusiasts are closely monitoring developments, as this case could influence the treatment of high-value vehicle taxation for content creators across the U.S.
