Danny and Damacio run 3 to 5 miles a day to simply stay in shape. The movie is based on the true story of a 1987 cross . They appeared happy to be with us, and they enjoyed sharing their behind the scenes stories about the . Coach Jim White (Kevin Costner) is the new 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. Not the right Damacio Diaz? We hope that you continue to enjoy our free content. Plus, David still runs competitively and coaches. 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 . Disgraced former BPD officers Damacio Diaz and Patrick Mara - KGET 17 Theres nothing to do in McFarland. We started picking and hoeing and raking and doing everything you could possibly think of. Damacio Diaz, former BPD detective who stole drugs and put - KGET 17 Plus I am a big Kevin Costner fan, I dont think I have ever not liked one of his movies. Its grapes and its oranges and its almonds and its cotton and stuff in our area, but those werent available. inspired to strive for something beyond We signed with this one company. DANNY DIAZ : Uh, well, that was the last race for that year. 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. All three girls graduated with degrees in education from Lubbock Christian University in Lubbock, Texas; Tami in 1985, Julie in 1988, and Jami in 1991. Despite the possible life sentence, a federal judge ruled Diaz can be released. Oh, its more than an indiscretion, he said. She changed her plans following her fathers indictment. Then they can do whatever they want. And we were running number one all year long. The former narcotics officer is now known, however, for going to prison in 2016 for charges tied to drugs, bribery and tax fraud. The three Diaz brothers featured in the new Disney movie, David, Damacio and Danny, all speak highly of both of their parents. Damacio Diaz - Address & Phone Number | Whitepages Diaz was a local celebrity at the time. Damacio Diaz Photos and Premium High Res Pictures - Getty Images McFarland, USA vs. the True Story of Coach Jim White's 1987 Team He also committed serious, reprehensible crimes. All the notoriety that theyre getting and what this man over here, Mr. White, our coach, has brought to not just our program but to our community. He would beat us up all the time. Their parents are also highly regarded by each of them and they obviously have a deep love for the family unit. I can't wait to see this movie! As you pull into McFarland, you will know notice a silhouette of a runner running through an open field. Atty. 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. Damacio Diaz was a subject of the movie McFarland USA and became a Bakersfield police officer. We dont have actually any [CHUCKLES] malls. But I still do that and I coach. Our father never could ever go watch us race. And Johnny was with him. Both are about to begin five-year federal prison sentences for their crimes. They talk about being inspired to strive for something beyond picking in the fields. Additionally, Coach White would be there for counseling and fulfilling needs beyond what their parents could afford. 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). Diaz, Damacio Diaz, David Diaz, Diego They investigated every name that came up, uncovered every rock, and no one elses name came to light in their scandal, the chief said. It taught you how to accept losing or winning. If you havent seen a trailer yet, here you go, Follow McFARLAND, USA on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mcfarlandusa, Follow Disney Pictures on Twitter: https://twitter.com/disneypictures. [LAUGHS] Much worse. What Happened to Damacio Diaz? Bakersfield Cop Seen in 'Killing County' Although, the brothers did say that the town hasnt really changed much, Coach White has noticed one big change. Write by: However, it happened a little differently than in the movie. This behavior became common, prosecutors said. Honestly, as we sat and talked with the Diaz brothers 3things were very apparent. According to the California Department of Justice, Diaz and Mara conspired with another man, Noel Carter, 46. And it didnt. Did you ever do that again? If it were ethical, I would pay to have you go to UCLA, he said, noting that it clearly was not. Kevin Costner (Coach Jim White) and Diana Maria Riva (Seora Diaz) in McFarland, USA. In other words, he joined the Tulare Police Department as a low-level officer in August 1996 just to work hard and be able to move on to Bakersfield as a detective precisely two years later. Since then, from what we can tell, the 50-year-old has chosen to retire and lead a comfortable yet quiet life in his home county of Kern; he hasnt moved anywhere. We are no longer theHeartbeat of Agriculture. Diaz initially became well-known after the release of 2015 Disney movie, McFarland USA, starring Kevin Costner. No. According to court documents, while employed as a police officer with the Bakersfield Police Department (BPD), Diaz handled a criminal informant, for nearly three years between April 2012 and February 2015, who was involved in the large-scale sale and distribution of the drug methamphetamine. 1999 - 2000 As, as hes retired. We were racing big races and trying to accomplish big things, so we looked at Mr. White as our dad. What Happened to Damacio Diaz? 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. 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. Damacio Diaz, 44, of McFarland, formerly a detective with the Bakersfield Police Department, was sentenced today to five years in prison for bribery . About $15,000 stuck out of Magallanes shorts. 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 . Diaz and his partner, Patrick Mara, later admitted to ripping off drug dealers of their methamphetamine during traffic stops. children ran for Jim White and all seven JIM WHITE : Thomas. The Feds arrested him at the department Friday morning and removed evidence. See more stories in. Two years later, we signed with another one, not quite that often, but it took a long process. Yet his desire to always be at the front and center of action soon reached such an extent that he started blurring the line between right and wrong, resulting in his arrest in November 2015. Assistant U.S. Atty Brian Delaney said Magallanes was arrested in a separate case and told officials about Diaz. In the movie, you [Coach White] spent a day picking in the fields with the boys. picking in the fields. Thats a long time in jail for someone who once wore a badge.. Damacio Diaz, former BPD detective who stole drugs and put - YouTube More than 100 convictions were overturned as a result. 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. Everyone there is excited about the movie and thenotoriety they have been receiving from it. It was indeed the first time that many of the kids ever saw the ocean. it's not all true but he's okay with that. 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. DAMACIO DIAZ : He was our seventh man actually. The U.S. Attorneys Office had recommended a sentence of between roughly 17 and 22 years, but the judge had discretion. It depends on the circumstances. 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. That decision also rocked the Kern County criminal justice system, marking the beginning of an ugly police corruption scandal involving cash, drugs and protection. The hearing included impassioned appeals by Diazs brother, wife and daughter, with the two latter witnesses in tears through much of their statements. 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,. Jim White | Heroes Wiki | Fandom They all spend some time running with the cross country team, as well as with their own kids. She was amazing in the movie. Lisa Green is sending letters to defendants in 64 potentially tainted criminal convictions after her office examined scores of convictions involving the work of the disgraced pair. A drug and corruption scandal has rocked the Bakersfield Police Department. Please log in, or sign up for a new account to continue reading. Former BPD officers who resold seized drugs released from federal And, wow, those hills are its not rolling hills. Juanita Diaz. Not exactly. The highest homicide rate The most crime. So for us, it was a way of life. 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. DANNY DIAZ : Running in the race, Mr. White and the rest of the guys were telling me Joses out of it. 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? He went back and got it. The. 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. So the only way I could get some of them into some of the fields that I had to do the work with them. "People discovered who I was, what my background was, and I was assaulted by numerous inmates," Diaz told 17 News. His attorney says he should be home for the holidays and then back in court in Fresno in January. He says that 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. And believe it or not, before he was a coach, hes a scientist. It reviewed 87 cases. -LA Times. Posted on Published: February 18, 2015- Last updated: August 7, 2022. Sentencing for Damacio Diaz continued to October - Yahoo! News Diaz, a 17-year Bakersfield cop, worked on 32 cases involving 53 defendants, with 20 requiring letters, she said. 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. It gave you character. 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. [CHUCKLES] When we were growing up, maybe seven, eight, nine, ten thousand people is the population. 12, The real Jim White and wife Cheryl White actually have three daughters, Tami, Julie and Jami. 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. Welcome to Killing County. 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. DANNY DIAZ : east from McFarland, Mr. White here would take us to the hills. Their city logo and motto have both been refreshed to express the new outlook of their community. You can read our Kevin Costner Interview about his role as Jim White in the McFarland, USA movie. But, yes, I did that. JIM WHITE : Let me add a little bit of that. Disgraced Bakersfield Police Detective Sentenced To Five Years In 2016, Diaz, 48, was sentenced for "federal programs bribery, possession and attempted possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, and making and subscribing a false income tax return." But this is gonna be a family movie, so it is okay. And we try to trip him up on that, and hes very smart in that regard. DAVID DIAZ : So, it helps you running wise and mentally wise, as well, because you have to endure that steepness, if you will. 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. And so, its just a fun place to be. 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. How did that impact your lives during high school to move on in the future? DANNY DIAZ : Yeah, if you drive600 miles out . This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. But he encouraged us to play sports. 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Probe Into Corrupt Cops in Kern County Deepens | KQED He offers the kids a chance FRESNO, Calif. Damacio Diaz, 44, of McFarland, formerly a detective with the Bakersfield Police Department, was sentenced today 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, Acting United States Attorney Phillip A. Convicted former officer Damacio Diaz says corruption was from the top They went back to the original first year that we won state. Fun fact: Rafael Martinez, who plays David Diaz in the movie, is one of my closest friends even to this day! Twitter. 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. [LAUGHS]. to know what it feels like to be So Im always looking out for their kids. Former Bakersfield police detective Damacio Diaz was sentenced Monday in federal court to five years in prison.He pleaded guilty earlier this year to charges. Damacio stated that they were very proud of the way the movie portrayed their story their family. They were sooo funny to chat with. Danny Diaz, daughter Delia Diaz, Gabriel People Search McFarland High School is actually just down the road from the Central Valley Correctional Facility, not across the street. David Diaz is behind Victor wearing a white t-shirt and McFarland hat. My dad gives me a sense of security, she told the court. . The movie is based on the true story of a 1987 cross country team, that Diaz was a member of, from a mainly Latino high school in McFarland, California, that won a state championship. That streak ended while the movie was in production, after the small school was elevated to Division I status, a byproduct of their success. 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. He literally would buy us shoes, feed us, counsel us, console us when we lost, that kinda stuff. You pick up any type of bug or any type of leaf, he knows what it is. Local photojournalist John Harte, who followed the team at the time, says that he witnessed opposing teams offer genuine handshakes of good luck. I've watched "McFarland" probably more than 200 times. He must report to federal authorities before 2 p.m. Dec. 5 to begin serving his sentence. Former detective Patrick Mara was also implicated in the same crime. Former BPD detective, Damacio Diaz sentenced to 5 years - KERO Coach White concurred and said their mom even asked why they didnt make her strict enough. That is definitely true. And sports is what kind of helped us get out of that. Uh, it was 1988 and I was a senior at that time and my brother, Damacio, was a junior. And, uh, low and behold, Mr. White, during Thanksgiving break, uh, when we have no school, he had an emergency. var _ndnq = _ndnq || []; _ndnq.push([embed]); Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Map: Track this weekends rain in the Bay Area, McFarland USA runner gets prison for corruption as police detective. Yes. February 3, 2023, 11:49 PM Part of the docu-series focuses on former Bakersfield Police Officers Damacio Diaz and Patrick Mara. Thank you for reading! Damacio Diaz pleaded guilty to bribery, drugtrafficking and tax evasion. 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. "It was damaging. And so, we were just happy that Disney stuck with that first year and were lucky to be in the movie. It was such a great experience. BAKERSFIELD, Calif. Noel Carter, 45, of Bakersfield, was sentenced today for conspiring with Bakersfield police officers Damacio Diaz and Patrick Mara to distribute methamphetamine and marijuana that Diaz and Mara seized in the course of their duties as police officers, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced. -John Harte, Yes, and at times the White family paid for new shoes and clothing for the team out of their own pockets. Jim White restarted the program in 1980 after it had been dropped for a year. Many of White's former runners credit him with inspiring them to achieve personal and career goals they would have otherwise deemed impossible (People.com). It was great meeting you on the trip - it was such fun! My dad has 13 brothers and sisters. DAVID DIAZ : He was a very inspirational part. . Damacio Diaz one of the three Diaz brothers depicted in the 2015 Disney film about the victorious Central Valley team admitted to lying on his tax returns and accepting bribes from an . Yes. "He told me to take my wife out on a date or buy my kids something," Diaz would later. They are amazing guys who still have that humble hardworking attitude! 1998 July - Damacio Diaz hired by the Bakersfield Police Department. You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times. No foul language or nudity - just fresh air. champions. [LAUGHS] Theymade me, uh . And theres not much to do there. Though according to Damacios own account in the Hulu production, his dreams and aspirations took a complete turn once he witnessed some adrenaline-pumping, actual police work first-hand. "Sometimes I helped them work in the fields," says the real Coach Jim White, "but more importantly, I had practice at a different time. Im a runner. Damacio Diaz. "I think it goes to show that sometimes the portrayal of images, and good work that has happened in the past, sometimes comes to what we see today and that people aren't always what they seem," said Greg Williamson, Bakersfield police chief. Inspired by the irony of his last name, "Blanco" was one of the nicknames that the kids and their families gave Jim White. There is no shame in admitting that this case has kept me awake at night, and few do, ONeill said to the packed courtroom. RAW VIDEO: Former BPD detective Damacio Diaz reacts to 5-year - YouTube DANNY DIAZ : Im trying to be nice here. Colin Kaepernick releases trailer for new true crime docuseries Yes. We, we basically told our story, got interviewed for hours and hour and hours, and that was pretty much it. DAVID DIAZ : Not at all. This included members of the Bakersfield High Drillers. [LAUGHS] And we dont have the big grocery stores. -LA Times. 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. Thats because it comprises not only archival footage but also first-hand accounts of individuals closest to the matter to truly uncover this Californian citys merciless, violence-driven justice system. [LAUGHS] These guys had all the pressure. It reviewed 87 cases. I used to take Damacio and some of hispeers. teacher. 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. Jim White and the Diaz Brothers with our Group for McFarland, USA. 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. Eguenia was best described by many that Thanks! By Laura Donaldson On 2/3/23 at 8:00 AM EST In an extraordinary statement, Judge ONeill spoke directly to Diazs daughter, Caroline. They became the drug traffickers themselves, he said. 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. Then the following season, we were ranked number one for the entire season. That is why it was so amazing and cool that I got to interview Jim White, David Diaz, Damacio Diaz, and Danny Diaz. Coach Jim White Interview & the Diaz Family Looks Back, Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile. Ray was arrested in February 2020 and in April 2022, following a four-week trial, he was convicted on several counts. DANNY DIAZ : You know, growing up in McFarland we didnt have much. And so, we have kids that are in high school and some that are in elementary school. All of a sudden I saw these headlights and it was Mr. White in his '59 Chevy." Diaz, and father and mother Paul and Damacio Diaz was sitting in his car alongside informant Guillermo "Memo" Magallanes. 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. So, Danny youre talking about they made you a little different. Disgraced former BPD detective Damacio Diaz released from federal 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. DAVID DIAZ : Yeah, so just to let you know: I think Hollywood did a, a very good job of depicting and not making it look too guilty as regarding CPS. 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 . He also was indicted on charges of disclosing wiretap information to a criminal partner, interfering with a criminal investigation, and other felonies, but those charges were dismissed in the plea agreement. Were all a year apart. Speaking of running, we asked the Diaz brothers if they still run. Diaz, a former Bakersfield police detective, is interviewed on camera in Killing County. Yes. Damacio Diaz - CA Cross Country Bio - Athletic.net These guys are amazing and it was a pleasure meeting them and listening to them. - 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. Five years in jail for a law enforcement officer thats still a serious sentence. Leopoldo's father abandoned his wife and children. All Access Digital offer for just 99 cents! The most police executions. It is a day I truly regret and a decision that has changed my entire life.. A true crime thriller we made set in Kevin McCarthys district. Copyright 2023 KFSN-TV. So, thats a big change. The love they genuinely have for him was heartfelt and true. The former NFL player is an executive producer on Hulu's "Killing County.". So, it was a big deal for us. We love our dad. True Crime news & latest pictures from Newsweek.com The DOJ said Diaz and Mara deliberately failed to submit seized drugs as evidence and instead provided the stolen narcotics to Carter. So hes a very knowledgeable guy. Also, take a closer look at the Diaz family, who had seven children run for McFarland. 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. They pocketed 4 pounds and turned in just a pound as evidence, officials said. on their time as cross country runners Soon Diaz and Mara were getting into other illegal activities, authorities said. In 2018, another man, Noel Carter, from Bakersfield, pleaded guilty to conspiring with Diaz and Mara to distribute drugs, according to federal prosecutors.