it's not all true but he's okay with that. He literally would buy us shoes, feed us, counsel us, console us when we lost, that kinda stuff. Greens office reviewed 87 cases of the detectives involving 123 defendants before deciding to send the letters. 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 . Davids the oldest and he was a bully. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. White and many other family members and friends were in court to support Diaz. The U.S. Attorneys Office had recommended a sentence of between roughly 17 and 22 years, but the judge had discretion. [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. Diaz, a former Bakersfield police detective, is interviewed on camera in Killing County. All seven Diaz children went to college and all seven returned to McFarland where they live today. [LAUGHS] We didnt do cabbage. 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. Danny Diaz, daughter Delia Diaz, Gabriel Disneys McFarland, USA, is helping to put the Diazs hometown on the map across the globe. My mom has 12. After his father left, Leopoldo and his mother decided to pack . Mara was released from a halfway house in April after serving a little less than four years in federal prison. Damacio Diaz is one of the subjects of new Hulu documentary Killing County. Overall though, they agreed that the picker lifestyle and Latino culture of the community was perfectly captured. He did submit every kind of narcotics to evidence following each bust. We have also done internal investigations on many allegations that were made and once again they have been unable to uncover anything. DAVID DIAZ : So, it helps you running wise and mentally wise, as well, because you have to endure that steepness, if you will. And he did. He had to take off to Stockton to, to be with his family with a family situation and he left us there to, to train on our own. However, he had been a teacher in the McFarland School District since 1964, following his graduation from Pepperdine University. But I still do that and I coach. Coach Jim White (Kevin Costner) is the new In the movie, you [Coach White] spent a day picking in the fields with the boys. They talk about being What about the children? DANNY DIAZ : We, we love basketball. We shouldve had first. JIM WHITE : Ive done it quite often. DAMACIO DIAZ : They said youre fat. Ray referred to Felicia Rosario as his "wife," though they were never married. Yet this fraud used his position for gain and greed. He advised her to first trust in God, as the Almighty, he said, is not subject to the weaknesses and failings of humankind. It was a huge fall from grace for Diaz, who was well known in the Central Valley as being a member of the high school cross-country running team portrayed in the 2015 Disney movie McFarland, USA.. DANNY DIAZ : east from McFarland, Mr. White here would take us to the hills. You know we are a God-fearing folks, so we were teaching in Sunday school on Sundays. Public corruption takes a heavy toll on our communities, and our office remains committed to prosecuting such conduct.". We were racing big races and trying to accomplish big things, so we looked at Mr. White as our dad. 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. DAMACIO DIAZ : And if I can add to that. Former McFarland cross-country coach Jim White and his wife, Cheryl, leave the U.S. District Court in Fresno Monday after his one-time runner, former BPD detective Damacio Diaz, was sentenced Monday to five years in federal prison. DAVID DIAZ : He was a very inspirational part. DANNY DIAZ : And we played basketball the entire week. The 16-count indictment against the 17-year police veteran includes bribery and trafficking methamphetamine. Mr. White was there as a person that we can rely on. Its grapes and its oranges and its almonds and its cotton and stuff in our area, but those werent available. The film is based on a true story, about how American cross country coach James "Jim" White coached the team of Hispanic kids at McFarland High School, from nobodies to mysteries to the racing community. A South Valley legend so popular he became the subject of a Disney movie has taken a hard fall. And, wow, those hills are its not rolling hills. So, thats a big change. So we have a lot of uncles and everybody has a lot of kids. We, we basically told our story, got interviewed for hours and hour and hours, and that was pretty much it. They pocketed 4 pounds and turned in just a pound as evidence, officials said. According to Torres, the federal system will keep Diaz behind bars for more than four years before he becomes eligible for release. Two years later, we signed with another one, not quite that often, but it took a long process. In May 2020, Diaz was released from a halfway house in Sacramento, where he was staying after serving his time. Diaz may be a free man later tonight, but he's facing life in prison for allegedly helping a meth dealer get drugs and stay undetected, all while he was supposed to be a narcotics detective. 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. [LAUGHS] Much worse. I didnt enjoy it very much. The most police executions. David is represented in the McFarland, USA movie along with two of his brothers, Damacio and Danny. Diaz, his large extended family, his friends and supporters including Jim White, the legendary McFarland High School cross country coach who was featured along with the Diaz brothers in the Disney movie, McFarland, USA, gathered in a prayer circle outside the courtroom following the hearing. High 61F. (I am in the red in the back betweenDamacio and Danny). Jim White moves his family after losing his last job as a football coach, and at his new school he turns seven disappointing students into one of the best cross-country teams in the region. Former Bakersfield Police Department Detective Damacio Diaz with his wife, Courtney, and their children leaving U.S. District Court in Fresno after his 2016 sentencing. Soon Diaz and Mara were getting into other illegal activities, authorities said. Many of the citizens of McFarland were extras in the movie. Their stories were told in a beautiful way and they are excited Disney picked their tale to tell. 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. Our third man, Jose, he just-. Thank you for reading! Despite the possible life sentence, a federal judge ruled Diaz can be released. The Bakersfield Californian says (http://bit.ly/2dGESLb) the U.S. Attorneys Office recommended between 17 and 22 years. Were all a year apart. Diaz this summer pleaded guilty to bribery, drug trafficking and tax evasion, and Mara admitted to selling methamphetamine. The McFarland, USA true story supports that McFarland High School won nine CIF California State Championships in cross country (including five in a row) and held a streak of attending the state championship meet 24 years in a row. Youre driving on 99, the freeway, and you blink and youll miss it. No. It was such a great experience. -LA Times. 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. Damacio Diaz (R) and guest attend the Bakersfield Special Screening of "McFarland, USA" in Bakersfield, CA on Feb. 15th, 2015. Thomas Valles went on to become a prison guard (LA Times). Matter of fact, he ordered us and he forced us and he made us play sports, because the way he saw it hes the first one, and so he learned it before us. The movie is based on the true story of a 1987 cross . Plus I am a big Kevin Costner fan, I dont think I have ever not liked one of his movies. McFarland, USA comes to theaters on Friday, February 20th. The real Jim White and wife Cheryl White actually have three daughters, Tami, Julie and Jami. Local photojournalist John Harte, who followed the team at the time, says that he witnessed opposing teams offer genuine handshakes of good luck. - An ex-detective who was on the championship 1987 track team depicted in the movie "McFarland USA" has been sentenced to five years in prison after pleading guilty to bribery and drug charges. Delaney was the prosecutor in the case. When one of Diazs attorneys used the word indiscretion to describe Diazs misdeeds, ONeill interrupted. 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. This behavior became common, prosecutors said. DANNY DIAZ : Absolutely. [LAUGHS]. The United States Attorney's Office said Diaz continued to operate the informant "even though he was fully aware of the informant's ongoing criminal activity and, during this time, Diaz received bribes from the informant in return for intelligence on law enforcement activities as well as protection from investigation and arrest.". His partner, Patrick Mara, admitted to selling methamphetamine. The ramifications of the corruption scandal could be large. Mr. Diaz, their dad Paul, he pushed education real hard, too. BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (AP) An ex-detective who was on the championship 1987 track team depicted in the movie McFarland USA has been sentenced to five years in prison after pleading guilty to bribery and drug charges. Then the following season, we were ranked number one for the entire season. Thats a long time in jail for someone who once wore a badge.. Four years ago on a sweltering afternoon, Bakersfield Police Det. Theres nothing to do in McFarland. Their mom and dad worked hard and pushed the boys even harder to succeed and do well. They are portrayed to be 15 and 10, a few years younger than they actually were at the time of the first state title in 1987 (the girls were in college at the time). Former detective Patrick Mara was also implicated in the same crime. Damacio Diaz. But federal agents arrested him at work today. And, uh, low and behold, Mr. White, during Thanksgiving break, uh, when we have no school, he had an emergency. it was in various stages, because this was about a 15-year process for us, my wife and I . PE teacher in McFarland, an economically If one or two of those boys couldn't make practice at four o'clock 'cause they're just gettin' in from work, then I might practice at 6 or 7 o'clock with those boys. Diaz, a former Bakersfield police detective, is interviewed on camera in Killing County. This this file photo, former Bakersfield Police Department Detective Damacio Diaz and his wife, Courtney, and other family members and friends leave the U.S. District Court in Fresno after he was sentenced to five years in federal prison. Silvia was 16 and Herlinda was 14. [LAUGHS] And we dont have the big grocery stores. What is going on here is really outrageous, said criminal defense attorney Mark Geragos. Magallanes then told another drug dealer to dump his phone. Starring Kevin Costner, Maria Bello, Carlos Pratts, Hector Duran, Copyright 2023 HistoryvsHollywood.com, CTF Media, No. Eguenia was best described by many that As a documentary series that delves deep into the alleged corruption, cover-ups, and crimes within the Bakersfield Police Department over the years, Hulus Killing County is unlike any other. Date Ideas Marriage Affirmations Affirmations for Him Marriage Tips Real Life Marriage DIY Marriage Retreat, Baby Activities for Kids Affirmations for Kids Parenting Teens Communication is Key Spreading Their Wings, Curriculum Preschool Elementary Most Asked Questions Things You Didn't Know Tips for Success, First Grandchild Role of Grandparents Getting Started Big Shoes to Fill They Say Your Name Grandparent Adventures. No, the real Coach Jim White actually started coaching cross country at McFarland High School in 1980. A previous version of this article said the district attorneys office reviewed 108 cases involving the detectives. It gave you character. With nothing to do in their small town, kidshave two choices: education and sports or the streets. Diaz pleaded guilty to stealing. Damacio Diaz features in new Hulu documentary "Killing County. [CHUCKLES]. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, Desperate mountain residents trapped by snow beg for help; We are coming, sheriff says, Hidden, illegal casinos are booming in L.A., with organized crime reaping big profits, Look up: The 32 most spectacular ceilings in Los Angeles, This fabled orchid breeder loves to chat just not about Trader Joes orchids, Elliott: Kings use their heads over hearts in trading Jonathan Quick, 19 cafes that make L.A. a world-class coffee destination, Newsom, IRS give Californians until October to file tax returns, 12 reasons why Sycamore Avenue is L.A.s coolest new hangout, Best coffee city in the world? Sorry, there are no recent results for popular videos. DANNY DIAZ : Im trying to be nice here. It was fat. DANNY DIAZ : Yeah, if you drive600 miles out . Five years is much better than 17, from their point of view, and while prison time will be an ordeal for the one-time cop, everyone knew they had won something at least resembling a victory. Coach White concurred and said their mom even asked why they didnt make her strict enough. I understand he did a lot of good before this criminal activity. Former NFL player Colin Kaepernick is an executive producer on new Hulu documentary "Killing County," which explores the story of Damacio Diaz. I still currently run. We [LAUGHS], we played basket. experience coaching the team. ONeill instructed Delaney to directly telephone the warden of the prison assigned to receive Diaz in order to help ensure the safety of the former cop who will soon find himself behind bars. Those are the two extremes and those are the two options that are there for our community. -KGET 17. 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. Mara, a 13-year veteran, had 55 cases involving 70 defendants. Chance of rain 40%. [LAUGHS]. country team. "It was damaging. Get Morning Report and other email newsletters. 2023 Cinemaholic Inc. All rights reserved. May God BLESS you all richly. Let us send you our favorite posts and ideas once a week. They are amazing guys who still have that humble hardworking attitude! Diaz initially became well-known after the release of 2015 Disney movie, McFarland USA, starring Kevin Costner. I feel like if hes gone, I wont have anyone, said Diazs daughter Caroline, a student at Bakersfield College who had originally planned to attend UCLA. How is the district attorney going to oppose any motion for a new trial when these investigators have admitted to such rogue behavior? said Ben Meiselas, who is representing several families suing the Bakersfield police, included a man shot while allegedly an informant for Mara. Did you ever do that again? And when it was suggested Diaz could help rebuild the communitys trust in the police department if only he were allowed the freedom to do so, the judge pounced again, saying he didnt believe that trust damaged so severely by a person given such extraordinary powers could be fully restored. But Mr. White was our second father. Copyright 2020 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. FRESNO, Calif. Damacio Diaz, 44, of McFarland, formerly a detective with the Bakersfield Police Department, pleaded guilty today to bribery, possession and attempted possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, and making and subscribing a false income tax return, Acting United States Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced. Director Niki Caro chose to omit Luis Partida, who in the movie is replaced with David Diaz. Juanita Diaz. 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. 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. The former narcotics officer is now known, however, for going to prison in 2016 for charges tied to drugs, bribery and tax fraud. McFarland, USA (2015) Full Cast & Crew See agents for this cast & crew on IMDbPro Directed by Niki Caro Writing Credits Cast (in credits order) verified as complete Produced by Music by Antonio Pinto Cinematography by Adam Arkapaw . "Sometimes I helped them work in the fields," says the real Coach Jim White, "but more importantly, I had practice at a different time. 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. The former NFL player is an executive producer on Hulu's "Killing County.". Yes. Those suckers are, are steep. Atty. 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 is the main character of the sports drama film McFarland, USA. Danny and Damacio run 3 to 5 miles a day to simply stay in shape. DAMACIO DIAZ : He was our seventh man actually. Members of McFarland's Diaz family reflect He also committed serious, reprehensible crimes. Is that still happening in McFarland? The trio honestly had an unwavering determination in their efforts despite being mere teenagers at the time, and thats what eventually inspired the 2015 Disney sports drama film McFarland, USA. However, the former chose to pursue General Education as a field of study instead of focusing on his athleticism upon graduation because he apparently hoped to establish his career as a teacher. The hearing included impassioned appeals by Diazs brother, wife and daughter, with the two latter witnesses in tears through much of their statements. View Others. About $15,000 stuck out of Magallanes'. In the least, such scenes seem to have been exaggerated by the filmmakers. Sunny to partly cloudy. . on their time as cross country runners In an extraordinary statement, Judge ONeill spoke directly to Diazs daughter, Caroline. I am excited to share with you another great interview from my McFarland, USA press trip. When I found out that it was Christian driven (truth !) So, thatwas good. Where are Damacio and Patrick now? View the profiles of people named Damacio Diaz. But in reality the script that was written, we prayed that it would never happen. I didn't want to go home," says Thomas. The community of McFarland still works as a village to raise their youth. Leopoldo's father abandoned his wife and children. So, it was a big deal for us. 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. We dont have the big malls. "I was standing there. "People discovered who I was, what my background was, and I was assaulted by numerous inmates," Diaz told 17 News. Copyright 2017 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. According to the California Department of Justice, Diaz and Mara conspired with another man, Noel Carter, 46. In our case, you know, theres seven and my dad worked a lot of hours. Disgraced former Bakersfield Police Department detective Damacio Diaz, one of the real-life heroes of the movie "McFarland USA," was sentenced Monday in U . McFarland High School is actually just down the road from the Central Valley Correctional Facility, not across the street. February 3, 2023, 11:49 PM Part of the docu-series focuses on former Bakersfield Police Officers Damacio Diaz and Patrick Mara. If I could beat their third, fourth, fifth man, sixth man whatever, I would add more points to them. I am excited to share with you another great interview from my McFarland, USA press trip. These men were the real life inspirations for McFarland USA. Along with fellow BPD Detective Patrick Mara, 40, the two were sentenced to five years in federal prison. 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. Federal authorities say 43-year-old Damacio Diaz took bribes from a narcotics dealer, and, in exchange, provided the names of police informants, gave details of law enforcement investigations, and tried to protect him from arrest. This included members of the Bakersfield High Drillers. Some, like David Diaz, became teachers themselves. A drug and corruption scandal has rocked the Bakersfield Police Department. Ray was arrested in February 2020 and in April 2022, following a four-week trial, he was convicted on several counts. Newsweek has everything you need to know about what happened to Bakersfield cop Damacio Diaz and why. People Search Defense attorneys compared the Bakersfield situation to the Los Angeles Police Departments Rampart scandal in the late 1990s, in which corrupt officers tainted cases. His viewpoint of not changing too much from that aspect I see a definite change. And underneath and this was given out to the high school and a high school girl came up with this logo Tradition, Unity, and Excellence. "I can't say I was going to jump, but I was thinking about my life and why some people would jump. Federal prosecutors in court sentencing documents said Mara had two patrol officers stop a vehicle the detectives knew was carrying 5 pounds of methamphetamine. So, for us it was normal. Did Coach White encourage you to use any of his style when youre teaching or coaching? Assistant U.S. Atty Brian Delaney said Magallanes was arrested in a separate case and told officials about Diaz. And we were part of the Royal Rangers andwe did that on Tuesday nights at our local church. DAMACIO DIAZ, by and through his counsel, DAVID A. TORRES, hereby submits Damacio Diaz' Statement in Mitigation for the court's consideration. 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. "He told me to take my wife out on a date or buy my kids something," Diaz would later. Unlike most defendants sentenced to prison for drug trafficking and other serious crimes, Diaz, dressed in a dark suit, walked out of the courthouse Monday afternoon unshackled, temporarily a free man. All Access Digital offer for just 99 cents! DAVID DIAZ : Uh, we donttrain. Keep an eye on your inbox for updates. children ran for Jim White and all seven My dad has 13 brothers and sisters. interview. Phillip A. Talbert said the two detectives were specially selected for a joint drug task force in a region plagued by methamphetamine. He offers the kids a chance 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. 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. For my son, it pushed him to go to college and do well while he was in high school. In 2018, another man, Noel Carter, from Bakersfield, pleaded guilty to conspiring with Diaz and Mara to distribute drugs, according to federal prosecutors. [CHUCKLES] Same thing happened back in the day when we were kids. [CHUCKLES] And, and we didnt train and we got fifth that year. You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times. We run three, four, five miles a day just to stay in shape. DAMACIO DIAZ : Go ahead and call it. Damacio seemingly prefers to stay well away from the spotlight these days, but we do know the family man tied the knot with his long-term partner, teacher Courtney Diaz, on January 26, 2021. We hope that you continue to enjoy our free content. On October 3, 2016 Diaz was sentenced to five years in prison for bribery, possession and attempted possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, and making and subscribing a false income tax return. Patrick Mara, center, speaks while flanked by attorney Fred Gagliardini. Welcome to Killing County. How often do you guys still train together with the new students? My dad gives me a sense of security, she told the court. So hes a very knowledgeable guy. It reviewed 87 cases. Still, it was rarely the entire quantity as he, his partner Patrick Mara, as well as an associate, reportedly had this combined side hustle. But his chief is ready to turn his back. Vida en el Valle file Daniel Casarez. Damacio Diaz said he doesn't recognize the man he was three years ago when he was a detective working for Bakersfield police. 17 Damacio Diaz Photos and Premium High Res Pictures - Getty Images FILTERS CREATIVE EDITORIAL VIDEO 17 Damacio Diaz Premium High Res Photos Browse 17 damacio diaz stock photos and images available, or start a new search to explore more stock photos and images. It is a day I truly regret and a decision that has changed my entire life.. If they took statements, seized evidence or wrote reports, we will be sending letters to defense attorneys or defendants that represented themselves, she said. Damacio stated that they were very proud of the way the movie portrayed their story their family. I even performed the wedding service for Damacio Diaz . BAKERSFIELD, Calif., (KBAK/KBFX) Damacio Diaz, a former Detective for the Bakersfield Police Department, has been released from federal custody. Now that he's cooperating with authorities, he has allegedly implicated others in the department, including his former partner . Partly cloudy this evening followed by increasing clouds with showers developing after midnight. Jim White is to Thomas' right and Gary Adams is to White's right. Diaz, Damacio Diaz, David Diaz, Diego DAMACIO DIAZ : Us training together, maam? Delaney acknowledged that Diaz provided information that was helpful in bringing charges against his former police partner, Patrick Mara, whose own sentencing is scheduled Oct. 17. The assistant U.S. attorney used the word paradox to describe Diaz, one of seven siblings raised in the northern Kern County farming community of McFarland in a religious family, and one that seemed the epitome of the American dream. Where are BPD Officers Aaron Stringer and Rick Wimbish Now. All Rights Reserved. SPONSORED LINKS Not exactly. Learn more about the McFarland, USA true story by watching the Jim White interview below. The three Diaz brothers featured in the new Disney movie, David, Damacio and Danny, all speak highly of both of their parents. A true crime thriller we made set in Kevin McCarthys district. Go see it with your family! The sentence received Monday was more lenient than prosecutors had urged for Damacio Diaz, a 17-year veteran of the Bakersfield Police Department. But Bakersfield Police Chief Greg Williamson said the federal and internal inquiries after 18 months cleared them all. What Happened to Damacio Diaz? Jim White and the Diaz Brothers with our Group for McFarland, USA. The Feds arrested him at the department Friday morning and removed evidence. Inspired by the irony of his last name, "Blanco" was one of the nicknames that the kids and their families gave Jim White. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Delaney shakes hands with former Bakersfield Police Department detective Damacio Diaz in this file photo from Diaz's Oct. 3 sentencing. Read More: Where are BPD Officers Aaron Stringer and Rick Wimbish Now? Defendant reserves the . Damacio Diaz was sitting in his car alongside informant Guillermo Memo Magallanes. Diaz was active as a youth coach, and as a cop he rose quickly through the ranks before, as he said, he was seduced by the lure of easy money, by stealing and selling methamphetamine for personal profit, the very drugs he was being paid to get off the streets. The district attorneys office is prepared to retry the cases if necessary, Assistant Dist. 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. Although, the brothers did say that the town hasnt really changed much, Coach White has noticed one big change.