McFarland, USA - Wikipedia The best result we found for your search is Damacio Diaz age 50s in Bakersfield, CA. The Bakersfield Californian says (http://bit.ly/2dGESLb) the U.S. Attorneys Office recommended between 17 and 22 years. That day I was fifth runner and I felt so much pressure, but you know, lucky we were able to pull it off. It was indeed the first time that many of the kids ever saw the ocean. Leopoldo's father abandoned his wife and children. 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. 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. "Niki Caro wanted to show more family in the movie so they chose me," says the real David Diaz, who actually graduated during the school year before the first state title win. Probe Into Corrupt Cops in Kern County Deepens | KQED They were cross country state champs in 1987, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1999, 2000 and 2001. 1999 - 2000 DAMACIO DIAZ : Us training together, maam? 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. And we were part of the Royal Rangers andwe did that on Tuesday nights at our local church. Michael Aguero as Damacio Diaz Rafael Martinez as David Diaz Ramiro Rodriguez as Danny Diaz Diana-Maria Riva as Seora Diaz Vanessa Martnez as Maria Marsol Martha Higareda as Lupe Valente Rodriguez as Principal Camillo Chris Ellis as Coach Jenks Eloy Casados as Dale Padilla Natalia Cordova-Buckley as Seora Valles Production [ edit] Copyright 2017 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. We don't know that anyone was physically injured as a result of it, fortunately. All seven Diaz children ran for Jim White and all seven went on to . on their time as cross country runners Read More: Where are BPD Officers Aaron Stringer and Rick Wimbish Now? and preaching in the Church of Christ. Their stories were told in a beautiful way and they are excited Disney picked their tale to tell. Damacio Diaz, 44, of McFarland, formerly a detective with the Bakersfield Police Department, was sentenced today to five years in prison for bribery . Then the following season, we were ranked number one for the entire season. 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. "I was standing there. So, thats a big change. He went back and got it. Whether it be Burglary, Financial Crimes Detail, Homicide, Narcotics Investigations, Sexual Assault, Special Enforcement (Gang), or Vice, he worked in every department at one point or the other. 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. Former detective Patrick Mara was also implicated in the same crime. I notice a lot of you became teachers. They appeared happy to be with us, and they enjoyed sharing their behind the scenes stories about the . After the interview we were able to get a picture with them. -John Harte, Yes, and at times the White family paid for new shoes and clothing for the team out of their own pockets. 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. Like in the movie, Thomas Valles went to an overpass above Highway 99 one night after his parents got into a horrible fight. I can't wait to see this movie! But he encouraged us to play sports. 'McFarland USA' runner Damacio Diaz gets prison - The Mercury News They also plan to seize about $50,000 in cash and a home in an exclusive McFarland neighborhood. September 22, 2016, 12:07 PM. Dozens of Coach Jim White's runners ended up going to college or into the armed forces. The ramifications of the corruption scandal could be large. interview. In our case, you know, theres seven and my dad worked a lot of hours. Greens office reviewed 87 cases of the detectives involving 123 defendants before deciding to send the letters. Inspired by the irony of his last name, "Blanco" was one of the nicknames that the kids and their families gave Jim White. DAMACIO DIAZ : Yeah, were very, very proud of the way the movie portrayed us, our family. 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,. It was fat. Thats why we had the sixth and seventh runner on a team. BPD detective Damacio Diaz, portrayed in McFarland USA movie arrested Facebook gives people the power to. Four years ago on a sweltering afternoon, Bakersfield Police Det. Diaz, a former Bakersfield police detective, is interviewed on camera in Killing County. He advised her to first trust in God, as the Almighty, he said, is not subject to the weaknesses and failings of humankind. Former BPD officers who resold seized drugs released from federal Where are BPD Officers Aaron Stringer and Rick Wimbish Now. True Crime news & latest pictures from Newsweek.com It was such a great experience. ", Colin Kaepernick pictured at the NBA game between the Toronto Raptors and the Boston Celtics at Scotiabank Arena on December 5, 2022 in Toronto, Canada. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Delaney speaks to the news media after former Bakersfield Police Department detective Damacio Diaz was sentenced Monday in U.S. District Court in Fresno to five years in federal prison. "It was damaging. He gave them information to clean up the department, said his lawyer, David Torres, in an interview. Mara was released from a halfway house in April after serving a little less than four years in federal prison. But, yes, I did that. Ray referred to Felicia Rosario as his "wife," though they were never married. victor puentes mcfarland Disgraced cop's 5-year sentence a fraction of prosection's recommendation, Corrupt cops compel Kern DA to inform defense attorneys about 'tainted' cases. 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.". Diaz was charged with assisting a drug dealer and providing him with names of police informants, and with trafficking drugs that had been seized for evidence. Low 44F. An interview with Jim White, David Diaz, Damacio Diaz and Danny Diaz The love they genuinely have for him was heartfelt and true. Um, Im running my first half marathon soon, and, um, I just wanna know are those hills what you really trained on? A South Valley legend so popular he became the subject of a Disney movie has taken a hard fall. JIM WHITE : Let me add a little bit of that. 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.". We basically told our story, got interviewed for hours and hour and hours, and that was pretty much it. 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. 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. Eliu Garza, also a McFarland High runner, is . Everyone there is excited about the movie and thenotoriety they have been receiving from it. Thomas Valles went on to become a prison guard (LA Times). Yes. Along with fellow BPD Detective Patrick Mara, 40, the two were sentenced to five years in federal prison. Diaz will be sentenced for three federal counts on October 3rd. Uh, it was 1988 and I was a senior at that time and my brother, Damacio, was a junior. 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. He was a fifth grade teacher and before he was a P.E. 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. Clovis PD investigating woman's death, asking public to avoid area. Damacio Diaz was sitting in his car alongside informant Guillermo Memo Magallanes. Colin Kaepernick's New Docuseries Looks at Calif. Police Department 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. The hearing included impassioned appeals by Diazs brother, wife and daughter, with the two latter witnesses in tears through much of their statements. Let us send you our favorite posts and ideas once a week. Damacio Diaz was sitting in his car alongside informant Guillermo "Memo" Magallanes. PrepCalTrack.com conducted this Jim White Now college is very encouraged, but back in the dayI wouldnt say that a fifth of the folks in high school ended up [finishing], especially folks of our color and our culture. Those suckers are, are steep. 'Killing County' features former BPD officers What Happened to Isabella Pollok? Everything About Larry Ray's 'Lieutenant' And he did. SPONSORED LINKS The story of McFarland started with a cross-country in the '80s. It taught you discipline. He also committed serious, reprehensible crimes. Bakersfield. PDF IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT of - KERO Public corruption takes a heavy toll on our communities, and our office remains committed to prosecuting such conduct.". So, thatwas good. There is no shame in admitting that this case has kept me awake at night, and few do, ONeill said to the packed courtroom. But federal agents arrested him at work today. 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. All of a sudden I saw these headlights and it was Mr. White in his '59 Chevy." Its grapes and its oranges and its almonds and its cotton and stuff in our area, but those werent available. 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. Were all a year apart. And we were running number one all year long. And we try to trip him up on that, and hes very smart in that regard. The most police executions. McFarland, USA (2015) - IMDb Now we are a runner running through the field, a figure silhouette of a runner. Diaz this summer pleaded guilty to bribery, drug trafficking and tax evasion, and Mara admitted to selling methamphetamine. Source: YouTube/KGET Article continues below advertisement 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. DAMACIO DIAZ : He was our seventh man actually. 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. 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. I have seven kids myself and all of us have a lot of kids. He must report to federal authorities before 2 p.m. Dec. 5 to begin serving his sentence. [LAUGHS] These guys had all the pressure. The community of McFarland still works as a village to raise their youth. And then Disney resigned us and got a better script writer. 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. I had never been the top five, and as you know the top five are the ones that score. They were sooo funny to chat with. Likely not. So, it was a big deal for us. McFarland, USA comes to theaters on Friday, February 20th. The Diaz brothers represent 3 of the 7 runners from the McFarland Cross Country team of 1987. That the judge would even mention such a possibility underscored the unusual nature of the hearing. DANNY DIAZ : That is true. [LAUGHS] And we dont have the big grocery stores. Bakersfield Police Corruption Scandal Could Have Wide Impact Diaz was a local celebrity at the time. Copyright 2023 Lovebugs and Postcards | Birch on Trellis Framework by Mediavine. Five years in jail for a law enforcement officer thats still a serious sentence. Bakersfield, California, Police Narcotics Detective Charged with Damacio Diaz: Where is the Former Detective Now? Get up to speed with our Essential California newsletter, sent six days a week. Wife of public defender who died at Mexico resort speaks out. His partner, Patrick Mara, admitted to selling methamphetamine. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. All seven Diaz children went to college and all seven returned to McFarland where they live today. Under the circumstances, theres absolutely no issue of dual justice here, he said. He is portrayed by Kevin Costner. In fact, a blink of an eye as you drive down Highway 99 in California and you will miss it. Oh, its more than an indiscretion, he said. 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. 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. Now, local prosecutors say the scandal jeopardizes other criminal cases. A true crime thriller we made set in Kevin McCarthys district. 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. Silvia was 16 and Herlinda was 14. But I also understand clearly that while he did not sell his soul, he certainly rented it out.. Disgraced former BPD officers Damacio Diaz and Patrick Mara - KGET 17 Therefore, Damacio pleaded guilty to bribery, possession, attempted possession with the intent to distribute, and false income tax returns on May 31, 2016 hed resigned from BPD months prior. And thatsthe one we have now. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Julie and Jami are depicted in the McFarland, USA movie. However, similar to the film, Jim White had never been a runner himself and used the bike to follow the team during their workouts. Disgraced former Bakersfield Police Department detective Damacio Diaz, one of the real-life heroes of the movie "McFarland USA," was sentenced Monday in U . 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. That is why it was so amazing and cool that I got to interview Jim White, David Diaz, Damacio Diaz, and Danny Diaz. His viewpoint of not changing too much from that aspect I see a definite change. You pick up any type of bug or any type of leaf, he knows what it is. An elderly couple from Las Vegas were found dead earlier this month in Death Valley National Park, law enforcement officials said. Damacio Diaz, right, shakes hands with Tomas Valles as the team readies for the start of the Southern section championships in the 1987 season. Two misdemeanor prostitution cases in which Diaz as an undercover detective was the only witness have already been dismissed. McFarland, USA vs. the True Story of Coach Jim White's 1987 Team [CHUCKLES] And about two years ago, Mr. White, you help me pull? Damacio Diaz, former BPD detective who stole drugs and put them back on the street, released from custody [LAUGHS]. DAMACIO DIAZ : And if I can add to that. of 1 Join Facebook to connect with Damacio Diaz and others you may know. The former BPD official apparently knew what he was doing wasnt right in any way, shape, or form, yet he couldnt find a way out as there was no one he could approach for help, as per the docuseries. Speaking of running, we asked the Diaz brothers if they still run. 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. The real Jim White and wife Cheryl White actually have three daughters, Tami, Julie and Jami. The highest homicide rate The most crime. DAVID DIAZ : He was a very inspirational part. That is definitely true. They threw it out. Damacio Diaz - Address & Phone Number | Whitepages Its grown a little bit in the last two, three years but not much has changed. The former narcotics officer is now known, however, for going to prison in 2016 for charges tied to drugs, bribery and tax fraud. No foul language or nudity - just fresh air. Damacio stated that they were very proud of the way the movie portrayed their story their family. Danny Diaz | You can't have my job, but I'll tell you a story 2023 Cinemaholic Inc. All rights reserved. Is that still happening in McFarland? In May 2020, Diaz was released from a halfway house in Sacramento, where he was staying after serving his time. On one occasion, Mrs. Diaz made 200 dozen tamales to send the team to Asia. BAKERSFIELD, Calif. A former Bakersfield Police detective, serving time in prison for his role in a drug ring, has been released. He retired in 2003 after 23 years of coaching boys cross country. They all spend some time running with the cross country team, as well as with their own kids. 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. So, at that point I was running the sixth man and so I became fifth man and I was, for the first time in my life in the top five. But U.S. Atty. Sorry, there are no recent results for popular videos. Although, the brothers did say that the town hasnt really changed much, Coach White has noticed one big change. Yeah, yeah, yeah. How often do you guys still train together with the new students? 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. Here's what we know. A 1997 LA Times article described it as a rickety, worn bicycle, but did not state that it was a girl's bicycle like in the movie. BPD detective arrested for drug trafficking The Feds arrested him at the department Friday morning and removed evidence. DANNY DIAZ : Uh, well, that was the last race for that year. Former NFL player Colin Kaepernick is an executive producer on the project, and says in the trailer that it "is one of the most powerful projects I've ever been involved with.". Defendant reserves the . Thats what they wanted to do and Im just excited to be included in the movie. [CHUCKLES] And, and we didnt train and we got fifth that year. 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. Atty. View the profiles of people named Damacio Diaz. [CHUCKLES] Same thing happened back in the day when we were kids. under Coach Jim White at McFarland High What about the children? They investigated every name that came up, uncovered every rock, and no one elses name came to light in their scandal, the chief said. Where is Damacio Diaz Now? 'Killing County' on Hulu Explores His Story So, for us it was normal. 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. FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- The charges against Damacio Diaz have people in his hometown in disbelief. We were about seven or eight years old when all that began. Then they can do whatever they want. Talbert said that we concluded no officers were complicit in joining Diaz and Mara, and that no further prosecutions were planned at this time. [Asking Danny referring to the last race of the first year]. Diaz then began cooperating with federal investigators and named other cops he said were corrupt. Write by: When the informant left, the narcotics detective found just under $1,000 in the passenger-side door pocket. Former NFL player Colin Kaepernick is an executive producer on new Hulu documentary "Killing County," which explores the story of Damacio Diaz. - 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. Coach White called Thomas over. We were racing big races and trying to accomplish big things, so we looked at Mr. White as our dad. Coach White concurred and said their mom even asked why they didnt make her strict enough. 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. The corruption scandal broke in November 2015 when federal agents arrested Bakersfield Police Detective Damacio Diaz for helping traffic methamphetamines. White retired in 2002 afterteaching in McFarland schools for 40 years and coaching for 25 years. Vida en el Valle file Daniel Casarez. Meet Coach White and the Diaz Brothers Inspirations - Mama Latina Tips What Happened to Damacio Diaz? Bakersfield Cop Seen in 'Killing County' Prosecutors are specifically reexamining cases from 2011 to 2014, when the partners were committing crimes. I wanna know what your guyss first reaction was when you heard that not only was your story going to be a movie but specifically this movie and knowing what these true life, inspirational movies become? It reviewed 87 cases. They were very respectful and well-mannered towards him, treating him with much respect as we talked. That streak ended while the movie was in production, after the small school was elevated to Division I status, a byproduct of their success. 12, The real Jim White and wife Cheryl White actually have three daughters, Tami, Julie and Jami. In the movie, you [Coach White] spent a day picking in the fields with the boys. teacher. She argued that her husband has learned from his mistakes and should not face any prison time at all. Members of McFarland's Diaz family reflect And sports is what kind of helped us get out of that. 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. Mr. White had a lot more influence [on the script]. Former detective Patrick Mara was also. picking in the fields. How much or any input did you have to have on the filming, the making the movie? Bakersfield Police Narcotics Detective Charged With Bribery, Drug DAMACIO DIAZ : They said youre fat. Despite the possible life sentence, a federal judge ruled Diaz can be released. Former Bakersfield Police Department Detective Sentenced to 5 Years in DANNY DIAZ : We, we love basketball. We maybe started school but hardly any of us finished. Former detective depicted in 'McFarland, USA' is sentenced to five Yes. Two years later, we signed with another one, not quite that often, but it took a long process. And, wow, those hills are its not rolling hills. 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 . 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. That year, Mara filed for bankruptcy and said he was drinking heavily. 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. The real Coach Jim White took both the boys and girls cross country teams to the California central coast beach at Cayucos during the 1985 season (not the 1987 season). [LAUGHS]. Their parents are also highly regarded by each of them and they obviously have a deep love for the family unit. You know we are a God-fearing folks, so we were teaching in Sunday school on Sundays. [LAUGHS] Much worse. After his father left, Leopoldo and his mother decided to pack . Go see it with your family! 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.
