By Shawn Henry 
YouTuber Cody Detwiler, known online as WhistlinDiesel, has been charged with tax evasion in Williamson County following his arrest on Wednesday. Detwiler, 27, built a massive online following by destroying high-end vehicles and heavy equipment on camera, drawing more than 10 million subscribers on YouTube and over 5 million followers on Instagram.
According to the Tennessee District Attorneys General Conference, Detwiler was taken into custody on two counts of tax evasion tied to the purchase of a 2020 Ferrari F8 Tributo. Prosecutors say the charges stem from a January 2023 transaction and accuse him of willfully attempting to avoid paying state sales tax in an amount of $500 or more. A Williamson County Grand Jury returned the indictment on Nov. 5.
Detwiler was released on a $20,000 bond shortly after his arrest. He later posted footage of the incident on Instagram, showing deputies arriving at a residence, his handcuffs, booking documents and his mug shot. In his caption, he told followers he had done nothing wrong and suggested the situation arose because of his success.
The Ferrari at the center of the case was one of many exotic vehicles Detwiler has featured in his content, often pushing cars and equipment to their limits or intentionally destroying them for entertainment. His high-profile stunts routinely generate millions of views, making him one of the most recognizable automotive creators on social media.
Detwiler is scheduled to be arraigned Nov. 19 in Williamson County. Authorities have not released further details about the investigation or whether additional charges are possible.
For now, Detwiler’s legal trouble adds a new twist to his public persona, one already shaped by controversy, viral stunts and a massive online audience watching his every move.
John