Coach White called Thomas over. 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.". Former Bakersfield Police Department Detective Damacio Diaz with his wife, Courtney, and their children leaving U.S. District Court in Fresno after his 2016 sentencing. 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. On that day, Leopoldo became a man. During the investigation, five other officers were placed on administrative leave related to the investigation and one recently resigned. Diaz did a lot of good things, Delaney said. Former detective Patrick Mara was also. The Feds arrested him at the department Friday morning and removed evidence. I cannot thank all of the people involved enough for bringing this story to us. This included members of the Bakersfield High Drillers. We maybe started school but hardly any of us finished. 1998 July - Damacio Diaz hired by the Bakersfield Police Department. But Mr. White was our second father. it was in various stages, because this was about a 15-year process for us, my wife and I . That the judge would even mention such a possibility underscored the unusual nature of the hearing. PrepCalTrack.com conducted this Jim White 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. You know we are a God-fearing folks, so we were teaching in Sunday school on Sundays. Its grown a little bit in the last two, three years but not much has changed. 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. McFarland High School is actually just down the road from the Central Valley Correctional Facility, not across the street. 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. -John Harte, Yes, and at times the White family paid for new shoes and clothing for the team out of their own pockets. Fun fact: Rafael Martinez, who plays David Diaz in the movie, is one of my closest friends even to this day! 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. Here's what we know. 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 . Diaz was not remanded into custody. White sees the athletic [LAUGHS] So, just to let yall know were proud of what Hollywood did and what Niki and the producer and everyone did, but we lived in a very, very strict environment and still do to this day. We signed with this one company. We hope that you continue to enjoy our free content. All seven Diaz children ran for Jim White and all seven went on to . His life story had been portrayed in the Disney movie "McFarland, USA". I am excited to share with you another great interview from my McFarland, USA press trip. I can't wait to see this movie! 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. Join half a million readers enjoying Newsweek's free newsletters, (L-R) David Diaz, Danny Diaz and Damacio Diaz attend the premiere of Disney's "McFarland, USA" at the El Capitan Theatre on February 9, 2015 in Hollywood, California. Defendant reserves the . 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. Thats why we had the sixth and seventh runner on a team. My dad has 13 brothers and sisters. [LAUGHS]. Information from: The Bakersfield Californian, http://www.bakersfield.com. Their city logo and motto have both been refreshed to express the new outlook of their community. He pleaded guilty earlier this year to charges he. DANNY DIAZ : Running in the race, Mr. White and the rest of the guys were telling me Joses out of it. My parents definitely pushed us to go that route and not thewide road most people go to is other than college. Early on, ONeill seemed to be signaling he was taking a hard-line stance. I still currently run. Starring Kevin Costner, Maria Bello, Carlos Pratts, Hector Duran, Copyright 2023 HistoryvsHollywood.com, CTF Media, No. We don't know that anyone was physically injured as a result of it, fortunately. 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. Their mom and dad worked hard and pushed the boys even harder to succeed and do well. Yes. But his chief is ready to turn his back. No foul language or nudity - just fresh air. When actually Disney did it we were thrilled very much so that Disney had it, because then we knew that it shouldnt have any sex and cussing and cigarettes and this type of thing, you know. 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. Thanks! 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. Yes. Read More: Where are BPD Officers Aaron Stringer and Rick Wimbish Now? We [LAUGHS], we played basket. 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. She was amazing in the movie. Magallanes then told another drug dealer to dump his phone. We dont have the big malls. They pocketed 4 pounds and turned in just a pound as evidence, officials said. When the informant left, the narcotics detective found just under $1,000 in the passenger-side door pocket. The best result we found for your search is Damacio Diaz age 50s in Bakersfield, CA. Although, the brothers did say that the town hasnt really changed much, Coach White has noticed one big change. 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. He will then be subject to three years of supervised release. 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. Patrick Mara, center, speaks while flanked by attorney Fred Gagliardini. They talk about being My mom has 12. It taught you how to accept losing or winning. 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 . Additionally, Coach White would be there for counseling and fulfilling needs beyond what their parents could afford. Uh, it was 1988 and I was a senior at that time and my brother, Damacio, was a junior. I used to take Damacio and some of hispeers. Silvia died on October 27, Herlinda on October 28. They threw it out. They spoke often of God and their church, as well as the work they do there. 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. And so, we have kids that are in high school and some that are in elementary school. It was a huge fall from grace for Diaz, who was well known in the Central Valley as being a member of the high school cross-country running team portrayed in the 2015 Disney movie McFarland, USA.. 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. Their parents are also highly regarded by each of them and they obviously have a deep love for the family unit. They have also lived in Mc Farland, CA and Delano, CA. These men were the real life inspirations for McFarland USA. 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. So I'd have two practices." She is preceded in death by her husband Damacio Diaz. Wife of public defender who died at Mexico resort speaks out. 2023 Cinemaholic Inc. All rights reserved. But in reality the script that was written, we prayed that it would never happen. Soon Diaz and Mara were getting into other illegal activities, authorities said. Speaking of running, we asked the Diaz brothers if they still run. I am excited to share with you another great interview from my McFarland, USA press trip. Disneys McFarland, USA, is helping to put the Diazs hometown on the map across the globe. 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. Diaz, Damacio Diaz, David Diaz, Diego [CHUCKLES] And, and we didnt train and we got fifth that year. Damacio Diaz, right, shakes hands with Tomas Valles as the team readies for the start of the Southern section championships in the 1987 season. DAMACIO DIAZ, by and through his counsel, DAVID A. TORRES, hereby submits Damacio Diaz' Statement in Mitigation for the court's consideration. And theres not much to do there. However, he had been a teacher in the McFarland School District since 1964, following his graduation from Pepperdine University. 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. The detective tipped him off about a Drug Enforcement Administration wiretap that captured him chatting, advising him to lay low, according to documents. More than 100 convictions were overturned as a result. Since we have a newborn we weren't able to see the pre-screening in theaters but I hope to see it as soon as it comes out on DVD. 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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. Were all a year apart. 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. So, for us it was normal. Damacio Diaz was sitting in his car alongside informant Guillermo "Memo" Magallanes. Plus, David still runs competitively and coaches. I still race competitively even though youre not as good as you once were. "Sometimes I helped them work in the fields," says the real Coach Jim White, "but more importantly, I had practice at a different time. It reviewed 87 cases. The 16-count indictment against the 17-year police veteran includes bribery and trafficking methamphetamine. 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. Forty-four of his cases will result in letters. You pick up any type of bug or any type of leaf, he knows what it is. He will have about two months to think about what comes next. 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 . Phillip A. Talbert said the two detectives were specially selected for a joint drug task force in a region plagued by methamphetamine. Jim White, David Diaz, Damacio Diaz and Danny Diaz for McFarland, USA. JIM WHITE : Thomas. It was such a great experience. That was something that we did since we were third, fourth, fifth graders and by the time we got to college and were now training and, and running and living our lives with Mr. White some of us traveled out of the state, out of the country with Mr. White it became something that was gonna help us get out of our environment, and it did. School. Damacio stated that they were very proud of the way the movie portrayed their story their family. . 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. Paul Fischer, 73, called the Inyo County . They came from a large family where faith,educationand hard work were important. . Damacio Diaz was sitting in his car alongside informant Guillermo Memo Magallanes. He did a lot of things for us that our dad couldnt, becauseit financially just wasnt available. DANNY DIAZ : That is true. Coach White concurred and said their mom even asked why they didn't make her strict enough. [LAUGHS]. My dad gives me a sense of security, she told the court. went on to college. cross country coach talks about what it What is going on here is really outrageous, said criminal defense attorney Mark Geragos. He told me to take my wife out on a date or buy my kids something, Diaz would later recall in court papers. How much or any input did you have to have on the filming, the making the movie? Still, it was rarely the entire quantity as he, his partner Patrick Mara, as well as an associate, reportedly had this combined side hustle. But federal agents arrested him at work today. Our third man, Jose, he just-. 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. I wanna know is your mom really that way, because she was a scene stealer? A drug and corruption scandal has rocked the Bakersfield Police Department. That is definitely true. 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 . But I still do that and I coach. Delaney was the prosecutor in the case. Source: YouTube/KGET Article continues below advertisement 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. 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. "He told me to take my wife out on a date or buy my kids something," Diaz would later. We shouldve had first. So for us, it was a way of life. 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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. A true crime thriller we made set in Kevin McCarthys district. [CHUCKLES]. 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. was like to have a movie made about his We basically told our story, got interviewed for hours and hour and hours, and that was pretty much it. The former NFL player is an executive producer on Hulu's "Killing County.". 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. 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. These were the guys running in the California heat and winning state titles. Is that how the last race happened? 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. [LAUGHS] Theymade me, uh . Learn more about the McFarland, USA true story by watching the Jim White interview below. Coach Jim White (Kevin Costner) is the new Greens office reviewed 87 cases of the detectives involving 123 defendants before deciding to send the letters. After nearly three decades as a defense attorney, Torres said, he has seen people charged with trafficking in narcotics sentenced to much less prison time, and hes seen the reverse. Delaney was the prosecutor in the case. He advised her to first trust in God, as the Almighty, he said, is not subject to the weaknesses and failings of humankind. We run three, four, five miles a day just to stay in shape. And, wow, those hills are its not rolling hills. He got into the truck and began to talk with Coach White about his difficulties at home. And so, I cant keep up with my kids in high school [CHUCKLES], but I go with my little seven-year-old. 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? 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). Damacio Diaz pleaded guilty to bribery, drugtrafficking and tax evasion. BAKERSFIELD, Calif. A former Bakersfield Police detective, serving time in prison for his role in a drug ring, has been released. Central Valley. They are a faith-filled family. You can read our Kevin Costner Interview about his role as Jim White in the McFarland, USA movie. The Bakersfield Californian says (http://bit.ly/2dGESLb) the U.S. Attorneys Office recommended between 17 and 22 years. Acting U.S. Atty. 1972 March 9 - Damacio Diaz birth date 1973 April 17 - Noel Carter birth date 1980 March 16 - Noel Carter birth date 1982 July 15 - Derrick Penney birth date 1986 August 7 - Logan August birth date 1996 August - Damacio Diaz hired by the Tulare Police Department. DANNY DIAZ : Once you give them your story, obviously you sign with them. 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. It depends on the circumstances. DIAZEugenia Vasquez Diaz loving wife, mother, grandmother passed away on August 1, 2012 at the age of 94. The U.S. Attorneys Office had recommended a sentence of between roughly 17 and 22 years, but the judge had discretion. on their time as cross country runners Eguenia was best described by many that But the guys over here were in decent shape still. [CHUCKLES] Same thing happened back in the day when we were kids. of 1 Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. Eliu Garza, also a McFarland High runner, is . The ramifications of the corruption scandal could be large. And it didnt. The three Diaz brothers featured in the new Disney movie, David, Damacio and Danny, all speak highly of both of their parents. Its hard to understand how he could do both.. We didnt have that close to us. All of a sudden I saw these headlights and it was Mr. White in his '59 Chevy." And so, its just a fun place to be. 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. But he encouraged us to play sports. (I am in the red in the back betweenDamacio and Danny). Damacio Diaz features in new Hulu documentary "Killing County. They work in the school system and believe in. Damacio Diaz, 44, of McFarland, formerly a detective with the Bakersfield Police Department, was sentenced today to five years in prison for bribery . DAMACIO DIAZ : Yeah, we just run, Danny and I, just to stay in shape. And underneath and this was given out to the high school and a high school girl came up with this logo Tradition, Unity, and Excellence. According to the National Park Service, citing law enforcement officials, the husband and wife were discovered on Jan. 13. However, it happened a little differently than in the movie. See more stories in. 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. Diaz turned his back on those opportunities and broke the trust his community placed in him, violating the very laws he was sworn to enforce. Newsweek has everything you need to know about what happened to Bakersfield cop Damacio Diaz and why. On one occasion, Mrs. Diaz made 200 dozen tamales to send the team to Asia. 1999 - 2000 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. Diaz pleaded guilty last spring as part of a plea agreement that became public in May. SPONSORED LINKS After the interview we were able to get a picture with them. Hes a pretty good coach, too. Damacio Diaz, former BPD detective who stole drugs and put them back on the street, released from custody In the movie, you [Coach White] spent a day picking in the fields with the boys. Thats what they wanted to do and Im just excited to be included in the movie. The legendary former McFarland Youre driving on 99, the freeway, and you blink and youll miss it. But I also understand clearly that while he did not sell his soul, he certainly rented it out.. He gave them information to clean up the department, said his lawyer, David Torres, in an interview. JIM WHITE : Let, let me add one thing to that. and last updated 2016-10-03 21:34:05-04. The district attorneys office is prepared to retry the cases if necessary, Assistant Dist. Back then, McFarland was largely white demographically. 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. 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. You have permission to edit this article. The sentence received Monday was more lenient than prosecutors had urged for Damacio Diaz, a 17-year veteran of the Bakersfield Police Department. That is why it was so amazing and cool that I got to interview Jim White, David Diaz, Damacio Diaz, and Danny Diaz. Honestly, as we sat and talked with the Diaz brothers 3things were very apparent. 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. 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. As he walked a Hollywood red carpet in February and talked to Action News anchor Graciela Moreno about McFarland USA, little did Diaz know his life was ready to unravel. 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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. McFarland, USA comes to theaters on Friday, February 20th.