I feel safe knowing he is in my corner.. Calif. 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. Thomas Valles went on to become a prison guard (LA Times). So, with myself, they [CHUCKLES] made me chubby in the movie. Please log in, or sign up for a new account to continue reading. DANNY DIAZ : Absolutely. Jim White is to Thomas' right and Gary Adams is to White's right. Diazs loyalty to Magallanes would be his downfall. DAMACIO DIAZ : Go ahead and call it. We were racing big races and trying to accomplish big things, so we looked at Mr. White as our dad. [LAUGHS] We didnt do cabbage. Mara was released from a halfway house a month before Diaz, in April 2020, after serving just under four years in federal prison. Their stories were told in a beautiful way and they are excited Disney picked their tale to tell. Former NFL player Colin Kaepernick is an executive producer on new Hulu documentary "Killing County," which explores the story of Damacio Diaz. Scott Spielman said. 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. Coach Jim White (Kevin Costner) is the new Also, take a closer look at the Diaz family, who had seven children run for McFarland. 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. 12, The real Jim White and wife Cheryl White actually have three daughters, Tami, Julie and Jami. Ray was arrested in February 2020 and in April 2022, following a four-week trial, he was convicted on several counts. You pick up any type of bug or any type of leaf, he knows what it is. "Sometimes I helped them work in the fields," says the real Coach Jim White, "but more importantly, I had practice at a different time. 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. DANNY DIAZ : And we played basketball the entire week. Twitter. Sunny to partly cloudy. I am excited to share with you another great interview from my McFarland, USA press trip. The Feds arrested him at the. We don't know that anyone was physically injured as a result of it, fortunately. All Access Digital offer for just 99 cents! 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. And we try to trip him up on that, and hes very smart in that regard. 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. Yeah, yeah, yeah. I've watched "McFarland" probably more than 200 times. That is why it was so amazing and cool that I got to interview Jim White, David Diaz, Damacio Diaz, and Danny Diaz. Dozens of Coach Jim White's runners ended up going to college or into the armed forces. Despite the possible life sentence, a federal judge ruled Diaz can be released. He told me to take my wife out on a date or buy my kids something, Diaz would later recall in court papers. Greens office reviewed 87 cases of the detectives involving 123 defendants before deciding to send the letters. A full house of over three hundred gave a rousing standing ovation to Jim and his wife, Cheryl. He offers the kids a chance Our third man, Jose, he just-. All seven Diaz inspired to strive for something beyond No, the real Coach Jim White actually started coaching cross country at McFarland High School in 1980. Updated: May 11, 2020 / 06:23 PM PDT BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) Disgraced former Bakersfield police detective Damacio Diaz has been released from custody after serving a federal term for stealing drugs during the course of his police work and putting them back on the street. For my son, it pushed him to go to college and do well while he was in high school. They talk about being 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. It is a day I truly regret and a decision that has changed my entire life.. In Boise, Idaho, 1987, Jim White and his title of coach is signifying his status as a . Low 44F. Primary filming took place in McFarland, California in 2013. 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. The movie is based on the true story of a 1987 cross . It does take a village [CHUCKLES] to raise, a child. Acting U.S. Attorney Phillip Talbert said at the time of Diaz's sentencing: "Diaz had a life that afforded him many opportunities, including the opportunity to serve and protect his community as an officer of the law. Under the circumstances, theres absolutely no issue of dual justice here, he said. Danny and Damacio run 3 to 5 miles a day to simply stay in shape. Diaz initially became well-known after the release of 2015 Disney movie, McFarland USA, starring Kevin Costner. We love our dad. I have seven kids myself and all of us have a lot of kids. Sports in high school can make or break a young man. So, my dad worked ten, twelve, thirteen, fourteen hours a day sometimes and both of them [his parents] come from large families. We shouldve had first. Everyone there is excited about the movie and thenotoriety they have been receiving from it. Damacio Diaz pleaded guilty to bribery, drugtrafficking and tax evasion. Diaz was released from prison in May 2020. gun violence, officer-involved homicides and other crime, Colin Kaepernick is an executive producer, Everyone Practices Cancel Culture | Opinion, Deplatforming Free Speech is Dangerous | Opinion. And theres not much to do there. View Others. He did submit every kind of narcotics to evidence following each bust. Jim White, David Diaz, Damacio Diaz and Danny Diaz for McFarland, USA. As well as accepting illegal bribes, Diaz engaged in drug trafficking while with the BPD. His life story had been portrayed in the Disney movie "McFarland, USA". Local photojournalist John Harte, who followed the team at the time, says that he witnessed opposing teams offer genuine handshakes of good luck. Diaz said that his time as a narcotics detective drove him to a life of drinking and that Magallanes, a drug dealer and a prominent member of the Mexican Mafia, became more friend than informant. BAKERSFIELD, Calif. A former Bakersfield Police detective, serving time in prison for his role in a drug ring, has been released. Delaney was the prosecutor in the case. They talk about being inspired to strive for something beyond picking in the fields. Defendants could seek motions for a new trial or to withdraw pleas in some cases. He must report to federal authorities before 2 p.m. Dec. 5 to begin serving his sentence. Our father never could ever go watch us race. The disgraceful and criminal behavior of Diaz and Mara has gravely impacted the Bakersfield Police Department as well as our community as a whole, she said. 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. He called it a fair sentence, under the circumstances, and rejected the suggestion that it was an example of dual justice: one set of standards for those viewed with favor by the system, and another set for those without resources or with no history of working in the criminal justice system. SPONSORED LINKS They also plan to seize about $50,000 in cash and a home in an exclusive McFarland neighborhood. 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,. So for us, it was a way of life. It was great meeting you on the trip - it was such fun! But, no, they made me chubby or overweight [CHUCKLES] and hecka hella slow [LAUGHS] when you watch the movie. So , DANNY DIAZ : Mr. White never went back to Stockton never again. Former Bakersfield Police officers Damacio Diaz, 48, and Patrick Mara, 40, have been released from federal custody, according to the Board of Prison's website. High 61F. FRESNO Disgraced former Bakersfield Police Department detective Damacio Diaz was sentenced Monday in U.S. District Court to five years in federal prison a far more lenient sentence than prosecutors had urged for offenses including drug trafficking, taking bribes and lying on his tax return. 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. director of photography Film Editing by David Coulson Casting By Sheila Jaffe Production Design by Richard Hoover 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. According to the National Park Service, citing law enforcement officials, the husband and wife were discovered on Jan. 13. And it didnt. What Happened to Damacio Diaz? Killing County is scheduled to premiere on Hulu on Friday, February 3. Is that still happening in McFarland? And so, its just a fun place to be. I still currently run. We were very happy that that was going to take place. Danny Diaz, daughter Delia Diaz, Gabriel DANNY DIAZ : Uh, well, that was the last race for that year. Diaz was a local celebrity at the time. They are a faith-filled family. See more stories in. By Laura Donaldson On 2/3/23 at 8:00 AM EST [LAUGHS] Much worse. Phillip A. Talbert said the two detectives were specially selected for a joint drug task force in a region plagued by methamphetamine. BAKERSFIELD, Calif., (KBAK/KBFX) Damacio Diaz, a former Detective for the Bakersfield Police Department, has been released from federal custody. Damacio Diaz was released Friday from a halfway house in. The corruption scandal broke in November 2015 when federal agents arrested Bakersfield Police Detective Damacio Diaz for helping traffic methamphetamines. 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Thank you for reading! 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. That streak ended while the movie was in production, after the small school was elevated to Division I status, a byproduct of their success. The hearing included impassioned appeals by Diazs brother, wife and daughter, with the two latter witnesses in tears through much of their statements. Disgraced former Bakersfield Police Department detective Damacio Diaz, one of the real-life heroes of the movie "McFarland USA," was sentenced Monday in U . 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. cross country coach talks about what it it was in various stages, because this was about a 15-year process for us, my wife and I . went on to college. 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. That decision also rocked the Kern County criminal justice system, marking the beginning of an ugly police corruption scandal involving cash, drugs and protection. February 27, 2023 new bill passed in nj for inmates 2022 No Comments . Silvia was 16 and Herlinda was 14. I notice a lot of you became teachers. Im a runner. Magallanes then told another drug dealer to dump his phone. Soon Diaz and Mara were getting into other illegal activities, authorities said. After the interview we were able to get a picture with them. The former teammates arenot only working in their hometown, but also raising their families there andactively supporting the cross-country teams of today by coaching, helping outwith the meets and practices and donating goods or money so the teams havewhat they need. BAKERSFIELD, Calif. A former Bakersfield Police detective, serving time in prison for his role in a drug ring, has been released. [LAUGHS] Theymade me, uh . -LA Times. 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. Coach White called Thomas over. People Search 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. The community of McFarlandis important to them. JIM WHITE : Let me add a little bit of that. But the guys over here were in decent shape still. School. 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. JIM WHITE : Let, let me add one thing to that. picking in the fields. If it were ethical, I would pay to have you go to UCLA, he said, noting that it clearly was not. See Sites with Your Personal Info. We run once in a whileamongst, DAVID DIAZ : ourselves. Mara was released from a halfway house in April after serving a little less than four years in federal prison. When the informant left, the narcotics detective found just under $1,000 in the passenger-side door pocket. DIAZEugenia Vasquez Diaz loving wife, mother, grandmother passed away on August 1, 2012 at the age of 94. But even worse, they say he tipped off the drug dealer when police might be coming his way, even giving the guy information from a secret wiretap. 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. Yes. 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. Posted on Published: February 18, 2015- Last updated: August 7, 2022. And, wow, those hills are its not rolling hills. Write by: Davids the oldest and he was a bully. View the profiles of people named Damacio Diaz. Now that he's cooperating with authorities, he has allegedly implicated others in the department, including his former partner . -Congressional Record, V. 146, Pt. We were about seven or eight years old when all that began. 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. Learn how your comment data is processed. Then to keep him on the narrow road or that straight road is tough. 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. 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.". But thats okay. She argued that her husband has learned from his mistakes and should not face any prison time at all. Diaz was a member of the team that won the state championship. Juanita Diaz. Like in the movie, Thomas Valles went to an overpass above Highway 99 one night after his parents got into a horrible fight. Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. Two years later, we signed with another one, not quite that often, but it took a long process. As stated above, the real Jim White started teaching in the McFarland School District straight out of college in 1964. Were all a year apart. 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. We all feel grateful and the whole communitys just embracing it. The community of McFarland still works as a village to raise their youth. BAKERSFIELD, Calif. - - Damacio Diaz, 43, of McFarland, a detective with the Bakersfield Police (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 United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner, FBI Special Agent in Charge Monica M. Miller . What about the children? Included in the segment, titled 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. Go see it with your family! Did you ever do that again? Theres nothing to do in McFarland. "McFarland's Family of Champions," are Diaz would quickly implicate Mara and then suggest others were making money too. They went back to the original first year that we won state. We hope that you continue to enjoy our free content. Thats what they wanted to do and Im just excited to be included in the movie. Wife of California doctor who drove family off cliff in Tesla doesn't want him prosecuted . Its a poor community. They were sooo funny to chat with. Diaz, a former Bakersfield police detective, is interviewed on camera in Killing County. Its grapes and its oranges and its almonds and its cotton and stuff in our area, but those werent available. Coach White concurred and said their mom even asked why they didn't make her strict enough. 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. McFarland, USA: Directed by Niki Caro. However, it was later revealed that BPD Detectives Damacio Diaz and Patrick Mara were involved in making Ramirez an informant. Former detective Patrick Mara was also implicated in the same crime. If its not for the help of our cousins and our uncles and our friends and our church its really difficult during these times to raise a child. children ran for Jim White and all seven Would they flee bargain the same way with non-police criminals? All of a sudden I saw these headlights and it was Mr. White in his '59 Chevy." FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- The charges against Damacio Diaz have people in his hometown in disbelief. 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). We run three, four, five miles a day just to stay in shape. and preaching in the Church of Christ. Let us send you our favorite posts and ideas once a week. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. A couple weeks later, the Bakersfield Police Department put him on leave after a federal investigation started to reveal an alleged connection to a major meth dealer. Plus, David still runs competitively and coaches. 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. Under it you read three words:Tradition, Unity, and Excellence. 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. It was indeed the first time that many of the kids ever saw the ocean. 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. DANNY DIAZ : Running in the race, Mr. White and the rest of the guys were telling me Joses out of it. Diaz then began cooperating with federal investigators and named other cops he said were corrupt. 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. CA. The Feds said Diaz was cheating the system in several ways -- for one, by stealing cash for drug buys or stealing the drugs from drug buys. Learn more about the McFarland, USA true story by watching the Jim White interview below. He also committed serious, reprehensible crimes. 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.". Danny Diaz was not overweight, but he was the seventh runner on the team. Bakersfield. FEMALE : How McFarland had changed, um, now that the movies gone? The love they genuinely have for him was heartfelt and true. So, thatwas good. And so, I cant keep up with my kids in high school [CHUCKLES], but I go with my little seven-year-old. 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. Former narcotics detective Damacio Diaz has accepted a plea deal in connection with federal charges that could send him to prison for life. Back then, McFarland was largely white demographically. Federal prosecutors in court sentencing documents said Mara had two patrol officers stop a vehicle the detectives knew was carrying 5 pounds of methamphetamine. was like to have a movie made about his This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. This behavior became common, prosecutors said. According to the California Department of Justice, Diaz and Mara conspired with another man, Noel Carter, 46. David is represented in the McFarland, USA movie along with two of his brothers, Damacio and Danny.