I Got Arrested for "Tax Evasion"

Summary

In this video, Cody DeWilder recounts his shocking and unexpected arrest for tax evasion. Despite having paid significant taxes and having a clean record, he was apprehended without prior notice, leading to confusion and frustration. The incident revolves around a tax issue tied to a Ferrari that no longer exists. Cody reflects on the overreach of the government, highlighting the lack of communication and how this situation affects hardworking citizens. With a blend of humor and seriousness, he details his experience in jail and the legal process, while also touching on the broader implications for others in similar situations.

Takeaways

• 😀 The video begins with a shift in tone, as the YouTuber explains this video will focus on a serious and real-life incident involving an arrest.
• 😯 The YouTuber is unexpectedly arrested by six police officers, who inform him he is being charged with tax evasion without explaining the reason immediately.
• 💼 Despite running a legal business and paying his taxes regularly, the YouTuber is confused by the arrest, especially since he had no prior notice of any issues.
• 📜 The arrest is related to a sales tax issue on a Ferrari, which was titled in Montana, and the tax was allegedly owed in Tennessee. However, the car no longer exists, as it was destroyed in a fire in Texas.
• 💰 The YouTuber emphasizes that he pays significant taxes and believes this case is more about making a statement to the car community than actually resolving a legitimate issue.
• 🔒 He describes the tight handcuffs and the lack of communication from law enforcement, highlighting his surprise at being treated harshly despite being cooperative.
• 📱 There was no prior communication from the state or IRS about the tax issue, which the YouTuber finds problematic, as he never received a letter or notice.
• 🏛️ The YouTuber discusses the broader implications of tax enforcement and how the middle class and hardworking individuals are affected by these types of actions.
• 🚗 He talks about his future plans to buy land in Montana, register vehicles there, and run his business out of Montana to avoid the high sales taxes of Tennessee.
• 💼 The YouTuber is launching a merchandise line to raise funds for his legal fees and also to address his supporters, emphasizing the importance of standing up against unjust actions.

Q & A

Why did the police arrest the speaker?

The speaker was arrested for tax evasion, specifically related to a sales tax issue involving his Ferrari, which was titled in Montana. The arrest was based on a warrant from the Tennessee Department of Revenue, despite the speaker having paid taxes regularly.

What was the speaker's initial reaction when the police arrived?

At first, the speaker thought the police arrival was a prank. He was confused and unsure about the reason for his arrest. He was cooperative and respectful, even though he had no clue why the police were there.

What did the police explain to the speaker about the arrest?

The police explained that the arrest was related to tax evasion. They provided a warrant from the Tennessee Department of Revenue for both the speaker as an individual and his company, Whistling Diesel LLC, regarding sales tax on a Ferrari.

What was the speaker's reaction to the tax evasion charge?

The speaker was surprised by the tax evasion charge. He expressed that he had paid significant taxes to the IRS and state, and couldn't understand why he was being arrested. He also questioned the fairness of the situation, as he had not received any prior notice about the issue.

How did the speaker feel about the media's coverage of the incident?

The speaker noted that the media had quickly spread false information, including exaggerating the bail amount. He found it humorous that rumors, such as the bail being $2 million, were circulating. Despite this, he felt that the situation had been blown out of proportion.

What happened during the speaker's time in jail?

The speaker was placed in a jail cell, but he described the experience as surprisingly manageable. He mentioned that he even exercised in his cell. He was released after about three hours when his friends managed to raise the required bail amount.

What was the reason for the speaker's Ferrari being involved in the tax evasion charge?

The Ferrari was titled in Montana, a state where certain luxury items are exempt from sales tax. The Tennessee authorities were investigating whether the car had been in Tennessee long enough to trigger the sales tax requirement. However, the car no longer existed as it had been destroyed in a fire in Texas.

How does the speaker feel about the broader issue of taxation?

The speaker acknowledges that taxes are necessary to run the country, but he is critical of how they are enforced. He believes the tax system is often unfairly applied and that middle-class people, like himself, are the ones most impacted by taxation, especially when communication is lacking from authorities.

Why does the speaker think the government targeted him specifically?

The speaker believes the government targeted him because of his public status as a social media influencer in the automotive community. He thinks the arrest was intended to send a message to other car owners to pay their sales tax, as the incident would likely cause a ripple effect among his followers.

What steps is the speaker planning to take regarding the situation?

The speaker plans to consult with his lawyers and work with authorities to resolve the issue. He also mentioned that he is in the process of buying property in Montana and moving his business there, partly as a response to the tax issues in Tennessee. He intends to update his followers as new information becomes available.