DAVID DIAZ : He was a very inspirational part. Diaz turned his back on those opportunities and broke the trust his community placed in him, violating the very laws he was sworn to enforce. Diaz, a former Bakersfield police detective, is interviewed on camera in Killing County. [CHUCKLES] When we were growing up, maybe seven, eight, nine, ten thousand people is the population. A drug and corruption scandal has rocked the Bakersfield Police Department. McFarland, USA vs. the True Story of Coach Jim White's 1987 Team Starring Kevin Costner, Maria Bello, Carlos Pratts, Hector Duran, Copyright 2023 HistoryvsHollywood.com, CTF Media, No. All seven Diaz children ran for Jim White and all seven went on to . After his father left, Leopoldo and his mother decided to pack . Damacio Diaz, 44, was sentenced Monday for bribery, possession and attempted possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and making and subscribing a false income tax return,. Damacio Diaz Profiles | Facebook Damacio Diaz: Where is the Former Detective Now? DAMACIO DIAZ : Yeah, we just run, Danny and I, just to stay in shape. View Others. They all spend some time running with the cross country team, as well as with their own kids. Is that how the last race happened? My mom has 12. Disgraced former BPD officers Damacio Diaz and Patrick Mara - KGET 17 Delaney was the prosecutor in the case. February 3, 2023, 11:49 PM Part of the docu-series focuses on former Bakersfield Police Officers Damacio Diaz and Patrick Mara. DANNY DIAZ : east from McFarland, Mr. White here would take us to the hills. But even prosecutor Brian Delaney of the U.S. Attorneys Office seemed satisfied with Diazs ultimate sentence, a dozen years fewer than the minimum he had recommended. The drugs were seized by Bakersfield police officers Damacio Diaz and Patrick Mara before being given to Noel Carter, 45, so he could sell them, according to federal prosecutors. Then to keep him on the narrow road or that straight road is tough. Theres nothing to do in McFarland. Posted on Published: February 18, 2015- Last updated: August 7, 2022. Damacio Diaz said he doesn't recognize the man he was three years ago when he was a detective working for Bakersfield police. A previous version of this article said the district attorneys office reviewed 108 cases involving the detectives. Damacio Diaz, portrayed in McFarland USA movie, Bakersfield PD officer However, similar to the film, Jim White had never been a runner himself and used the bike to follow the team during their workouts. Former Bakersfield police officer pleads guilty to bribery and other These I was able have an interview with Jim White and the Diaz brothers (David Diaz, Damacio Diaz and Danny Diaz) who are the real life inspirations behind the McFarland, USA film. With nothing to do in their small town, kidshave two choices: education and sports or the streets. Yes. JIM WHITE : Let me add a little bit of that. Inspired by the irony of his last name, "Blanco" was one of the nicknames that the kids and their families gave Jim White. BPD detective Damacio Diaz, portrayed in McFarland USA movie arrested Former detective Patrick Mara was also implicated in the same crime. FEMALE : How McFarland had changed, um, now that the movies gone? As you pull into McFarland, you will know notice a silhouette of a runner running through an open field. "People discovered who I was, what my background was, and I was assaulted by numerous inmates," Diaz told 17 News. Police Corruption Scandal in Bakersfield Could Jeopardize Other School. director of photography Film Editing by David Coulson Casting By Sheila Jaffe Production Design by Richard Hoover Gabriel Diaz, Damacio Diaz, David Diaz, Diego Diaz, and father and mother Paul and Juanita Diaz. But the guys over here were in decent shape still. The Department of Justice said Diaz and Mara would deliberately fail to submit seized drugs as evidence and instead would give them to Carter, who would sell them for profit. [LAUGHS] Theymade me, uh . DIAZEugenia Vasquez Diaz loving wife, mother, grandmother passed away on August 1, 2012 at the age of 94. His partner, Patrick Mara, admitted to selling methamphetamine. True Crime news & latest pictures from Newsweek.com Bakersfield Police Narcotics Detective Charged With Bribery, Drug Damacio Diaz Photos and Premium High Res Pictures - Getty Images Former detective depicted in 'McFarland, USA' is sentenced to five Bakersfield detective pleads guilty to bribery, drug possession: 'I got The Bakersfield Californian says (http://bit.ly/2dGESLb) the U.S. Attorneys Office recommended between 17 and 22 years. However, he had been a teacher in the McFarland School District since 1964, following his graduation from Pepperdine University. Eguenia was best described by many that Some, like David Diaz, became teachers themselves. The former NFL player is an executive producer on Hulu's "Killing County.". DAVID DIAZ : He was out in my field still in the evening helping me do my work. And we try to trip him up on that, and hes very smart in that regard. "It was damaging. We would like your email. [LAUGHS] So, just to let yall know were proud of what Hollywood did and what Niki and the producer and everyone did, but we lived in a very, very strict environment and still do to this day. That decision also rocked the Kern County criminal justice system, marking the beginning of an ugly police corruption scandal involving cash, drugs and protection. Yes. 1998 July - Damacio Diaz hired by the Bakersfield Police Department. Four years ago on a sweltering afternoon, Bakersfield Police Det. His wife and family, including a brother who works at McFarland high school, all supported him in court Friday afternoon. BAKERSFIELD, Calif. A former Bakersfield Police detective, serving time in prison for his role in a drug ring, has been released. I never had pressure. We then wanted to know, "How much, if any, input did you have to have on the filming and the making the movie?Damacio Diaz: Mr. White might have had more than us. I still currently run. Coach Jim White (Kevin Costner) is the new Theyre looking out for my kids and were trying to police each other, because its very easy to get distracted and go way off course. In April 2019, Carter was sentenced to seven and a half years in prison for conspiring with Diaz and Mara to sell the seized drugs. DAMACIO DIAZ : The one that took off real fast, you know. Damacio stated that they were very proud of the way the movie portrayed their story their family. If I could beat their third, fourth, fifth man, sixth man whatever, I would add more points to them. As, as hes retired. It was back in 1987 when Damacio Diaz inadvertently became a local celebrity of sorts owing to the way he built McFarland High Schools winning cross-country dynasty alongside his two brothers. Since we have a newborn we weren't able to see the pre-screening in theaters but I hope to see it as soon as it comes out on DVD. Disgraced former Bakersfield Police Department detective Damacio Diaz, one of the real-life heroes of the movie "McFarland USA," was sentenced Monday in U . Kevin Costner and others picking in the fields in McFarland, USA. DAMACIO DIAZ : Mr. White might have more than us. It does take a village [CHUCKLES] to raise, a child. cross country coach talks about what it So for us, it was a way of life. I am excited to share with you another great interview from my McFarland, USA press trip. Thats a long time in jail for someone who once wore a badge.. Thomas Valles went on to become a prison guard (LA Times). Director Niki Caro chose to omit Luis Partida, who in the movie is replaced with David Diaz. Hi everyone! The community of McFarland still works as a village to raise their youth. White retired in 2002 afterteaching in McFarland schools for 40 years and coaching for 25 years. Atty. And we I took them to the fields because I was looking for workers to try to get us some income so we can go to Oregon and we can go to San Jose and we can put shoes on their feet. For my son, it pushed him to go to college and do well while he was in high school. BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) Damacio Diaz found himself on the other side of the law when he was convicted and sentenced for his role in selling drugs stolen from a Bakersfield Police Department evidence room. Right before interviewing Kevin Costner (see that here), we had the great privilege of interviewing the real life inspirations behind the new Disney film, McFarland, USA, Coach Jim White and the Diaz brothers, David, Damacio and Danny.They were so charming, and funny, and honest. Its a poor community. Their mom and dad worked hard and pushed the boys even harder to succeed and do well. Richard Winton is an investigative crime writer for the Los Angeles Times and part of the team that won the Pulitzer Prize for public service in 2011. Probe Into Corrupt Cops in Kern County Deepens | KQED She changed her plans following her fathers indictment. And so, its just a fun place to be. Were all a year apart. And we were running number one all year long. Please log in, or sign up for a new account to continue reading. My parents definitely pushed us to go that route and not thewide road most people go to is other than college. Still, Williamson said, the corrupt detectives had eroded trust with the community. teacher. Copyright 2020 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Officer Damacio Diaz - Ugly Judge DAMACIO DIAZ : Go ahead and call it. A full house of over three hundred gave a rousing standing ovation to Jim and his wife, Cheryl. Diaz then began cooperating with federal investigators and named other cops he said were corrupt. Diazs loyalty to Magallanes would be his downfall. Members of McFarland's Diaz family reflect Information from: The Bakersfield Californian, http://www.bakersfield.com. Interview with Big Hero 6 Directors Don Hall and Chris Williams, Behind the scenes of Big Hero 6 Bonus Content with FEAST Director Patrick Osborne. Bakersfield Man Sentenced to 7 Years in Prison for Conspiring - KTLA So, Danny youre talking about they made you a little different. Four years ago on a sweltering afternoon, Bakersfield Police Det. PUBLISHED: October 4, 2016 at 7:44 a.m. | UPDATED: October 4, 2016 at 7:53 a.m. BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (AP) An ex-detective who was on the championship 1987 track team depicted in the movie . Silvia was 16 and Herlinda was 14. I feel safe knowing he is in my corner.. . Scott Spielman said. BAKERSFIELD, Calif., (KBAK/KBFX) Damacio Diaz, a former Detective for the Bakersfield Police Department, has been released from federal custody. The relationship between the brothers and Coach White is endearing. They were cross country state champs in 1987, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1999, 2000 and 2001. Federal prosecutors in court sentencing documents said Mara had two patrol officers stop a vehicle the detectives knew was carrying 5 pounds of methamphetamine. Its grapes and its oranges and its almonds and its cotton and stuff in our area, but those werent available. Former narcotics detective Damacio Diaz has accepted a plea deal in connection with federal charges that could send him to prison for life. DAVID DIAZ : Not at all. Get Morning Report and other email newsletters. In a highly charged hearing packed with family members and supporters of the former cop, U.S. District Judge Lawrence ONeill indicated during the nearly two-hour hearing that the case was among the most difficult and emotional hes encountered in all his years on the bench. Ray referred to Felicia Rosario as his "wife," though they were never married. In a tweet promoting the documentary, the star mentioned the high homicide and crime rates in Bakersfield, calling the series a "thriller set in Kevin McCarthy's district," in reference to House Speaker McCarthy, whose congressional district includes parts of Bakersfield. We signed with this one company. -LCU.edu, Yes. It gave you character. Tom Sizemore dead at 61 after suffering brain aneurysm, Crews helping residents stranded by snow in Mariposa County, Home catches fire in snow-covered neighborhood in North Fork. How often do you guys still train together with the new students? After nearly three decades as a defense attorney, Torres said, he has seen people charged with trafficking in narcotics sentenced to much less prison time, and hes seen the reverse. They also plan to seize about $50,000 in cash and a home in an exclusive McFarland neighborhood. PE teacher in McFarland, an economically The DOJ said Diaz and Mara deliberately failed to submit seized drugs as evidence and instead provided the stolen narcotics to Carter. You can read our Kevin Costner Interview about his role as Jim White in the McFarland, USA movie. And, uh, low and behold, Mr. White, during Thanksgiving break, uh, when we have no school, he had an emergency. I had never been the top five, and as you know the top five are the ones that score. However, it was later revealed that BPD Detectives Damacio Diaz and Patrick Mara were involved in making Ramirez an informant. Both men are currently in halfway houses, Diaz in the Sacramento area and Mara in the Long Beach area. Bakersfield. In our case, you know, theres seven and my dad worked a lot of hours. The movie is based on the true story of a 1987 cross . Soon Diaz and Mara were getting into other illegal activities, authorities said. The multi-part documentary is coming to the streaming platform on February 3 and includes first-person interviews with individuals and families plagued by gun violence, officer-involved homicides and other crimes in Bakersfield and Kern County, California. BPD detective arrested for drug trafficking JIM WHITE : From my aspect, I guess it was in various stages, because this was about a 15-year process for my wife and I. They are amazing guys who still have that humble hardworking attitude! Assistant U.S. Atty Brian Delaney said Magallanes was arrested in a separate case and told officials about Diaz. I've watched "McFarland" probably more than 200 times. He advised her to first trust in God, as the Almighty, he said, is not subject to the weaknesses and failings of humankind. We basically told our story, got interviewed for hours and hour and hours, and that was pretty much it. He went back and got it. Disgraced detective whose story was told in 'McFarland USA' gets prison Copyright 2017 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Damacio Diaz, former BPD detective who stole drugs and put - YouTube Carter was also ordered to pay $70,513 in restitution to his former employerwho he admitted to embezzling money fromand to forfeit $286,251 in proceeds from drug trafficking, according to federal prosecutors. Diazs attorney, David Torres, was clearly relieved by the judges decision. He must report to federal authorities before 2 p.m. Dec. 5 to begin serving his sentence. Coach Jim White is retired now, but if you go to McFarland, chances are you willsee him out there on his bike, keeping up with the kids every evening with a lotof his original team running alongside as well. -KGET 17, Yes. Jim White | Heroes Wiki | Fandom The story of McFarland started with a cross-country in the '80s. Both girls were on this trip to a meet in Santa Maria and the beachs, and these photos are from Silvia's album, which her family had saved. Where is Damacio Diaz Now? 'Killing County' on Hulu Explores His Story Mara said that when he partnered up with Diaz in spring 2012, Diaz walked out of a bedroom and handed him a few hundred dollars, while he stuck a large amount of money into his own pockets, according to court papers. They still believe in him, and so does his attorney, David A. Torres, who said, "He is and was a hero, in my opinion, and he is the same Damacio Diaz he is.". Jim White restarted the program in 1980 after it had been dropped for a year. Winds WNW at 10 to 20 mph.. DANNY DIAZ : That is true. When I found out that it was Christian driven (truth !) That year, Mara filed for bankruptcy and said he was drinking heavily. So Im always looking out for their kids. Is that still happening in McFarland? The Real Life Inspirations Jim White, David Diaz, Damacio Diaz & Danny There are no shopping malls or large grocery stores. So hes a very knowledgeable guy. It was such a great experience. Damacio Diaz, 43, of McFarland, California, a detective with the Bakersfield, California, Police Department (BPD), was arrested today, charged with abusing his position of trust as a police detective when he conspired with and assisted a narcotics dealer in the operation of the dealer's drug organization, announced U.S. Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner of the Eastern District of California . Even some of us, after graduating college, like Danny, the day after he graduated from the university with the diploma, he was in the fields working, because that was, in our family, what was expecteduntil he got hired and got his job. Although, David did add that his mom is actually much more strict than she is made to bein the movie. Select this result to view Damacio Diaz's phone number, address, and more. -KGET 17, Yes. [LAUGHS]. The student thus enrolled at California State University-Fresno while changing his major to Criminology as well as Military Science (1992-1996) before deciding to acquire training on the job. Killing County is scheduled to premiere on Hulu on Friday, February 3. Damacio Diaz, 48, is scheduled for release on May 10 while Patrick Mara, 40, is expected to be free on April 20, according to Federal Bureau of Prisons records. Diaz did a lot of good things, Delaney said. In a remarkable statement made before reporters Friday, Kern County District Attorney Lisa Green said her office will mail out 64 letters to d, Positive Cases Among Kern Residents: 310,095, Recovered and Presumed Recovered Residents: 305,002, Percentage of all cases that are unvaccinated:71, Percentage of all hospitalizations that are unvaccinated:83.13, Source: Kern County Public Health Services Department. Likely not. Primary filming took place in McFarland, California in 2013. This included members of the Bakersfield High Drillers. Damacio Diaz, 43, of McFarland, a detective with the Bakersfield Police Department was arrested today, charged with abusing his position of trust as a police detective when he conspired with and assisted a narcotics dealer in the operation of the dea . Facebook gives people the power to. These I was able have aninterview with Jim White and the Diaz brothers (David Diaz, Damacio Diaz and Danny Diaz) who are the real life inspirations behind the McFarland, USA film. The community of McFarlandis important to them. . Source: YouTube/KGET Article continues below advertisement Let us send you our favorite posts and ideas once a week. If it were ethical, I would pay to have you go to UCLA, he said, noting that it clearly was not. to know what it feels like to be They appeared happy to be with us, and they enjoyed sharing their behind the scenes stories about the . Damacio Diaz was a Bakersfield police detective who was sentenced to five years in prison in October 2016 for stealing drugs to put back onto the street. Damacio Diaz, former BPD detective who stole drugs and put them back on the street, released from custody DANNY DIAZ : Yeah, if you drive600 miles out . Not the right Damacio Diaz? What Happened to Isabella Pollok? Everything About Larry Ray's 'Lieutenant' It reviewed 87 cases. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Disney turned it into a. He says that Diaz will be sentenced for three federal counts on October 3rd. What Happened to Damacio Diaz? Former NFL player Colin Kaepernick is an executive producer on new Hulu documentary "Killing County," which explores the story of Damacio Diaz. These were the guys running in the California heat and winning state titles. But, no, they made me chubby or overweight [CHUCKLES] and hecka hella slow [LAUGHS] when you watch the movie. Damacio was actually indicted on 16 federal counts related to bribery, drug trafficking, and filing a false tax return on the grounds he resold a lot of the drugs he confiscated during his police work. So I'd have two practices." Diaz this summer pleaded guilty to bribery, drug trafficking and tax evasion, and Mara admitted to selling methamphetamine. Diaz and his brother Danny were on the championship team; a third brother, David, had graduated by then but was included in the movie version. The love they genuinely have for him was heartfelt and true. In an extraordinary statement, Judge ONeill spoke directly to Diazs daughter, Caroline. The. Damacio Diaz, 43, was arrested on November 20, 2015 and charged with abusing his position of trust as a police detective when he conspired with and assisted a narcotics dealer in the operation of the dealer's drug organization. JIM WHITE : Thomas. We didnt have that close to us. And sports is what kind of helped us get out of that. They couldve chosen any other team, because we have nine state titles. This is going to be a huge hit, I live about two hours from the area it's based on and I'm really looking forward to seeing it. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Delaney, who prosecuted the case against former Bakersfield Police Department Detective Damacio Diaz, is shown here in this file photo following the Oct. 3 sentencingat U.S. District Court in Fresno. Wife of California doctor who drove family off cliff in Tesla doesn't want him prosecuted . Disgraced former BPD detective Damacio Diaz released from federal 1972 March 9 - Damacio Diaz birth date 1973 April 17 - Noel Carter birth date 1980 March 16 - Noel Carter birth date 1982 July 15 - Derrick Penney birth date 1986 August 7 - Logan August birth date 1996 August - Damacio Diaz hired by the Tulare Police Department. So, it was a big deal for us. Silvia died on October 27, Herlinda on October 28. Diaz was a Tulare county sheriffs deputy years ago, but he's been at the Bakersfield police department for 17 years, the last four as a narcotics detective. DANNY DIAZ : Once you give them your story, obviously you sign with them. Coach Jim White and his wife, Cheryl, with team member Thomas Valles at the 1987 California Southern Area cross country meet at Hart Park in Bakersfield. DAVID DIAZ : Uh, we donttrain. The highest homicide rate The most crime. DAVID DIAZ : So, just to go back and let you know how my mother was depicted in previous scripts [LAUGHS] was probably a more accurate [CHUCKLES] version. They were sooo funny to chat with. They talk about being inspired to strive for something beyond picking in the fields. Coach White concurred and said their mom even asked why they didnt make her strict enough. Plus, David still runs competitively and coaches. Go see it with your family! The detective tipped him off about a Drug Enforcement Administration wiretap that captured him chatting, advising him to lay low, according to documents. Where are Damacio and Patrick now? Chance of rain 40%. In 2018, another man, Noel Carter, from Bakersfield, pleaded guilty to conspiring with Diaz and Mara to distribute drugs, according to federal prosecutors. They pocketed 4 pounds and turned in just a pound as evidence, officials said. Hes a pretty good coach, too. DANNY DIAZ : You know, growing up in McFarland we didnt have much. Partly cloudy this evening followed by increasing clouds with showers developing after midnight. pic.twitter.com/qKxl7i5dfn. Bakersfield Police Corruption Scandal Could Have Wide Impact Jim White is the main character of the sports drama film McFarland, USA. But he encouraged us to play sports. He pleaded guilty earlier this year to charges he. The. champions. The former police officer was subsequently sentenced to five years in federal prison, just to be released days early from a halfway house in Sacramento, California, on May 8, 2020. Diaz and his partner, Patrick Mara, later admitted to ripping off drug dealers of their methamphetamine during traffic stops. They are a faith-filled family. Los Angeles, Downtown L.A stabbing sends six to hospital; 1 arrested, San Diego Roman Catholic diocese facing yet another lawsuit from its insurance company, K-Pop isnt the only hot ticket in Koreatown how trot is captivating immigrants, Los Angeles is suddenly awash in waterfalls, Officials unprepared for epic mountain blizzard, leaving many trapped and desperate. I was just running to, to displace other runners and add them more points. They went back to the original first year that we won state. They spoke often of God and their church, as well as the work they do there. Defendants could seek motions for a new trial or to withdraw pleas in some cases. What happened to Damacio Diaz? Bakersfield cop seen in 'Killing County' Calif. When actually Disney did it we were thrilled very much so that Disney had it, because then we knew that it shouldnt have any sex and cussing and cigarettes and this type of thing, you know. Early on, ONeill seemed to be signaling he was taking a hard-line stance. Here's what we know. It taught you discipline. I used to take Damacio and some of hispeers. View Public Details & Court Records. [CHUCKLES] Same thing happened back in the day when we were kids. No. Damacio Diaz was a Bakersfield police detective who was sentenced to five years in prison in October 2016 for stealing drugs to put back onto the street. went on to college. Diaz was a local celebrity at the time. Plus I am a big Kevin Costner fan, I dont think I have ever not liked one of his movies. They became the drug traffickers themselves, he said. A look at the real "McFarland USA" kids and coach Jim White You pick up any type of bug or any type of leaf, he knows what it is. She was amazing in the movie. McFarland, USA comes to theaters on Friday, February 20th. Learn how your comment data is processed. We, we basically told our story, got interviewed for hours and hour and hours, and that was pretty much it.
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