Greens office reviewed 87 cases of the detectives involving 123 defendants before deciding to send the letters. Damacio Diaz (R) and guest attend the Bakersfield Special Screening of "McFarland, USA" in Bakersfield, CA on Feb. 15th, 2015. School. 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. Two misdemeanor prostitution cases in which Diaz as an undercover detective was the only witness have already been dismissed. They were very respectful and well-mannered towards him, treating him with much respect as we talked. 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. So, with myself, they [CHUCKLES] made me chubby in the movie. Go see it with your family! I had never been the top five, and as you know the top five are the ones that score. And so, we have kids that are in high school and some that are in elementary school. Mara was released from a halfway house a month before Diaz, in April 2020, after serving just under four years in federal prison. to know what it feels like to be Delaney was the prosecutor in the case. Welcome to Killing County. 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. Defendants could seek motions for a new trial or to withdraw pleas in some cases. Magallanes then told another drug dealer to dump his phone. Included in the segment, titled You can read our Kevin Costner Interview about his role as Jim White in the McFarland, USA movie. Mr. Diaz, their dad Paul, he pushed education real hard, too. Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. However, he had been a teacher in the McFarland School District since 1964, following his graduation from Pepperdine University. 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. But if it werent for sports our kids would be lost, because its either education and sports or the streets. DAVID DIAZ : He was out in my field still in the evening helping me do my work. Colin Kaepernick's new three-part true crime docuseries, which premieres on Hulu Friday, Feb. 3, tells the story of alleged corruption and cover-up that happened at a police department in a . [LAUGHS]. He would beat us up all the time. All seven Diaz children ran for Jim White and all seven went on to . BAKERSFIELD, Calif., (KBAK/KBFX) Damacio Diaz, a former Detective for the Bakersfield Police Department, has been released from federal custody. 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. Each one of the brothers are land owners in McFarland. DAMACIO DIAZ : For us, I believe sports, in general, we were already tough kids and we were used to working hard and theyre seven of us in our family. 1999 - 2000 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). 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. 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. Diaz would quickly implicate Mara and then suggest others were making money too. People Search Though it is very close, Jim White likely wouldn't have had a clear view of it from his classroom window, as a street of homes separates the school's athletic fields from the prison grounds. About $15,000 stuck out of Magallanes shorts. DANNY DIAZ : east from McFarland, Mr. White here would take us to the hills. Um, Im running my first half marathon soon, and, um, I just wanna know are those hills what you really trained on? 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. it all made sense. So, for us it was normal. In our case, you know, theres seven and my dad worked a lot of hours. 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. 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 . Ray was arrested in February 2020 and in April 2022, following a four-week trial, he was convicted on several counts. DAVID DIAZ : He was a very inspirational part. Former detective Patrick Mara was also. 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. Twitter. Diaz and his partner, Patrick Mara, later admitted to ripping off drug dealers of their methamphetamine during traffic stops. So, thatwas good. They pocketed 4 pounds and turned in just a pound as evidence, officials said. 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. They are amazing guys who still have that humble hardworking attitude! The sentence received Monday was more lenient than prosecutors had urged for Damacio Diaz, a 17-year veteran of the Bakersfield Police Department. She argued that her husband has learned from his mistakes and should not face any prison time at all. 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. How did that impact your lives during high school to move on in the future? No, the real Coach Jim White actually started coaching cross country at McFarland High School in 1980. And so, we were just happy that Disney stuck with that first year and were lucky to be in the movie. He advised her to first trust in God, as the Almighty, he said, is not subject to the weaknesses and failings of humankind. 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,. 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. Thanks! But in reality the script that was written, we prayed that it would never happen. 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. picking in the fields. Is that still happening in McFarland? Diaz this summer pleaded guilty to bribery, drug trafficking and tax evasion, and Mara admitted to selling methamphetamine. Diazs attorney, David Torres, was clearly relieved by the judges decision. director of photography Film Editing by David Coulson Casting By Sheila Jaffe Production Design by Richard Hoover "I was standing there. After the interview we were able to get a picture with them. Carter would then could sell those narcotics for profit. So we have a lot of uncles and everybody has a lot of kids. Kern County Dist. 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.". All Access Digital offer for just 99 cents! -KGET 17, Yes. Damacio stated that they were very proud of the way the movie portrayed their story their family. The former NFL player is an executive producer on Hulu's "Killing County.". Keep an eye on your inbox for updates. According to the California Department of Justice, Diaz and Mara conspired with another man, Noel Carter, 46. Juanita Diaz. Both are about to begin five-year federal prison sentences for their crimes. They couldve chosen any other team, because we have nine state titles. Acting U.S. Atty. inspired to strive for something beyond 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. Dozens of Coach Jim White's runners ended up going to college or into the armed forces. They talk about being inspired to strive for something beyond picking in the fields. interview. . school and decides to put together a cross 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. Ray referred to Felicia Rosario as his "wife," though they were never married. 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. Damacio Diaz said he doesn't recognize the man he was three years ago when he was a detective working for Bakersfield police. We are no longer theHeartbeat of Agriculture. [LAUGHS] These guys had all the pressure. Jim White restarted the program in 1980 after it had been dropped for a year. DAVID DIAZ : So, it helps you running wise and mentally wise, as well, because you have to endure that steepness, if you will. "It was damaging. This included members of the Bakersfield High Drillers. Speaking of running, we asked the Diaz brothers if they still run. Low 44F. DAMACIO DIAZ, by and through his counsel, DAVID A. TORRES, hereby submits Damacio Diaz' Statement in Mitigation for the court's consideration. JIM WHITE : Ive done it quite often. But [LAUGHS], as far as wanting to be a teacher he wasnt the only reason why we got into the education, but he was one of the two or three maybe. Select this result to view Damacio Diaz's phone number, address, and more. 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. I feel safe knowing he is in my corner.. You have permission to edit this article. [LAUGHS] We didnt do cabbage. . Yes. We dont have actually any [CHUCKLES] malls. In a remarkable statement made before reporters Friday, Kern County District Attorney Lisa Green said her office will mail out 64 letters to d, Positive Cases Among Kern Residents: 310,095, Recovered and Presumed Recovered Residents: 305,002, Percentage of all cases that are unvaccinated:71, Percentage of all hospitalizations that are unvaccinated:83.13, Source: Kern County Public Health Services Department. Copyright 2023 Lovebugs and Postcards | Birch on Trellis Framework by Mediavine. 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. Coach Jim White (Kevin Costner) is the new cross country coach talks about what it Diaz will be sentenced for three federal counts on October 3rd. Central Valley. The three Diaz brothers featured in the new Disney movie, David, Damacio and Danny, all speak highly of both of their parents. Did Coach White encourage you to use any of his style when youre teaching or coaching? There is no shame in admitting that this case has kept me awake at night, and few do, ONeill said to the packed courtroom. Overall though, they agreed that the picker lifestyle and Latino culture of the community was perfectly captured. And so, I cant keep up with my kids in high school [CHUCKLES], but I go with my little seven-year-old. Diaz was a local celebrity at the time. This hearing is not about telling someone they are no good, ONeill said. 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. 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. DIAZEugenia Vasquez Diaz loving wife, mother, grandmother passed away on August 1, 2012 at the age of 94. Disgraced cop's 5-year sentence a fraction of prosection's recommendation, Corrupt cops compel Kern DA to inform defense attorneys about 'tainted' cases. So that was my experience for the first time at state having the pressure. Members of McFarland's Diaz family reflect Winds WNW at 10 to 20 mph.. The former police officer was subsequently sentenced to five years in federal prison, just to be released days early from a halfway house in Sacramento, California, on May 8, 2020. If they took statements, seized evidence or wrote reports, we will be sending letters to defense attorneys or defendants that represented themselves, she said. The best result we found for your search is Damacio Diaz age 50s in Bakersfield, CA. Right now our community is excited obviously with the movie and rightfully so. Damacio Diaz, 44, of McFarland, formerly a detective with the Bakersfield Police Department, was sentenced today to five years in prison for bribery . Even some of us, after graduating college, like Danny, the day after he graduated from the university with the diploma, he was in the fields working, because that was, in our family, what was expecteduntil he got hired and got his job. But U.S. Atty. His partner, Patrick Mara, admitted to selling methamphetamine. 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.". 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. Mr. White was there as a person that we can rely on. But I still do that and I coach. I used to take Damacio and some of hispeers. 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. According to the National Park Service, citing law enforcement officials, the husband and wife were discovered on Jan. 13. More than 100 convictions were overturned as a result. Let us send you our favorite posts and ideas once a week. Newsweek has everything you need to know about what happened to Bakersfield cop Damacio Diaz and why he is featured on Killing County. The real Jim White and wife Cheryl White actually have three daughters, Tami, Julie and Jami. It taught you discipline. Were all a year apart. Kevin Costner (Coach Jim White) and Diana Maria Riva (Seora Diaz) in McFarland, USA. DAMACIO DIAZ : The one that took off real fast, you know. DAMACIO DIAZ : Us training together, maam? But, yes, I did that. And theres not much to do there. The legendary former McFarland "He told me to take my wife out on a date or buy my kids something," Diaz would later. So I'd have two practices." A previous version of this article said the district attorneys office reviewed 108 cases involving the detectives. Second, he expressed sympathy regarding the educational quandary in which she finds herself. Plus I love Kevin Costner! Now that he's cooperating with authorities, he has allegedly implicated others in the department, including his former partner . With Kevin Costner, Ramiro Rodriguez, Carlos Pratts, Johnny Ortiz. It was such a great experience. SPONSORED LINKS Posted on Published: February 18, 2015- Last updated: August 7, 2022. Diaz, who has been allowed to remain free throughout the process, cooperated fully with investigators, according to the prosecution. 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. Diazs loyalty to Magallanes would be his downfall. 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. Four years ago on a sweltering afternoon, Bakersfield Police Det. Sports in high school can make or break a young man. Now we are a runner running through the field, a figure silhouette of a runner. That streak ended while the movie was in production, after the small school was elevated to Division I status, a byproduct of their success. 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). 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. But he encouraged us to play sports. 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. BAKERSFIELD, Calif. A former Bakersfield Police detective, serving time in prison for his role in a drug ring, has been released. [LAUGHS], JIM WHITE : Let, let me answer that, cause when Mrs. Diaz saw this film the first time, she came out and she said I love the film, but they didnt make me strict enough.. They were sooo funny to chat with. I didnt enjoy it very much. -LCU.edu, Yes. Then to keep him on the narrow road or that straight road is tough. Copyright 2023 KFSN-TV. My mom has 12. Please log in, or sign up for a new account to continue reading. 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. We run three, four, five miles a day just to stay in shape. DANNY DIAZ : Once you give them your story, obviously you sign with them. Honestly, as we sat and talked with the Diaz brothers 3things were very apparent. Damacio Diaz was released Friday from a halfway house in. He was a fifth grade teacher and before he was a P.E. Diaz became well-known after being portrayed in the 2015 Disney movie, McFarland USA, starring Kevin Costner, about the transformation of a running team in McFarland. Atty. They are a faith-filled family. 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. These I was able have aninterview with Jim White and the Diaz brothers (David Diaz, Damacio Diaz and Danny Diaz) who are the real life inspirations behind the McFarland, USA film. 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. The Feds arrested him at the department Friday morning and removed evidence. That year, Mara filed for bankruptcy and said he was drinking heavily. It was great meeting you on the trip - it was such fun! That decision also rocked the Kern County criminal justice system, marking the beginning of an ugly police corruption scandal involving cash, drugs and protection. McFarland High School is actually just down the road from the Central Valley Correctional Facility, not across the street. Damacio Diaz was released Friday from a halfway house in Sacramento, according to the Federal Bureau of Prisons. To make up for the time they couldn't work in the fields due to cross country practice, Jim White would sometimes give his time to them by helping them pick in the fields. Information from: The Bakersfield Californian, http://www.bakersfield.com. 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 . 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. In the least, such scenes seem to have been exaggerated by the filmmakers. Read More: Where are BPD Officers Aaron Stringer and Rick Wimbish Now? 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. Learn more about the McFarland, USA true story by watching the Jim White interview below. Hi everyone! And then Disney resigned us and got a better script writer. The. However, it was later revealed that BPD Detectives Damacio Diaz and Patrick Mara were involved in making Ramirez an informant. Damacio Diaz. JIM WHITE : From my aspect, I guess it was in various stages, because this was about a 15-year process for my wife and I. It reviewed 87 cases. 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. And we were part of the Royal Rangers andwe did that on Tuesday nights at our local church. DAMACIO DIAZ : He was our seventh man actually. CA. When I found out that it was Christian driven (truth !) We have changed our city logo. under Coach Jim White at McFarland High So hes a very knowledgeable guy. 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. went on to college. Where are BPD Officers Aaron Stringer and Rick Wimbish Now. That the judge would even mention such a possibility underscored the unusual nature of the hearing. We all feel grateful and the whole communitys just embracing it. The highest homicide rate The most crime. He pleaded guilty earlier this year to charges he. Im a runner. To read the article in Spanish, click here, Insider is sentenced to prison in scam that nearly took down L.A.s last black bank, Man accused of threatening to kill people at Islamic center because of hatred for Muslims, Man is charged with attempted murder after break-in at Miranda Kerrs Malibu home. 1998 July - Damacio Diaz hired by the Bakersfield Police Department. Jim White is the main character of the sports drama film McFarland, USA. Sorry, there are no recent results for popular videos. Diaz's wife Courtney painted a picture him as a strong Christian and dedicated family man who in her words 'became a lost soul alone in the dark' while undercover. Damacio Diaz pleaded guilty to bribery, drugtrafficking and tax evasion. Plus I am a big Kevin Costner fan, I dont think I have ever not liked one of his movies. I didn't want to go home," says Thomas.