On that day, Leopoldo became a man. 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. DANNY DIAZ : We didnt train. 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. The multi-part documentary is coming to the streaming platform on February 3 and includes first-person interviews with individuals and families plagued by gun violence, officer-involved homicides and other crimes in Bakersfield and Kern County, California. -LCU.edu, Yes. Disney turned it into a. BAKERSFIELD, Calif. A former Bakersfield Police detective, serving time in prison for his role in a drug ring, has been released. But if it werent for sports our kids would be lost, because its either education and sports or the streets. Fun fact: Rafael Martinez, who plays David Diaz in the movie, is one of my closest friends even to this day! All three girls graduated with degrees in education from Lubbock Christian University in Lubbock, Texas; Tami in 1985, Julie in 1988, and Jami in 1991. of 1 The highest homicide rate The most crime. Danny and Damacio run 3 to 5 miles a day to simply stay in shape. Kevin Costner and others picking in the fields in McFarland, USA. Two misdemeanor prostitution cases in which Diaz as an undercover detective was the only witness have already been dismissed. PE teacher in McFarland, an economically I notice a lot of you became teachers. They spoke often of God and their church, as well as the work they do there. Disneys McFarland, USA, is helping to put the Diazs hometown on the map across the globe. But the guys over here were in decent shape still. And so, we have a great dad. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. 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. Damacio stated that they were very proud of the way the movie portrayed their story their family. McFarland, USA comes to theaters on Friday, February 20th. country team. Diaz and his partner, Patrick Mara, later admitted to ripping off drug dealers of their methamphetamine during traffic stops. "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. 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. He advised her to first trust in God, as the Almighty, he said, is not subject to the weaknesses and failings of humankind. Defendant reserves the . Mara, a 13-year veteran, had 55 cases involving 70 defendants. DAVID DIAZ : He was out in my field still in the evening helping me do my work. So for us, it was a way of life. Please log in, or sign up for a new account to continue reading. Our third man, Jose, he just-. All of a sudden I saw these headlights and it was Mr. White in his '59 Chevy." DAVID DIAZ : And just to let you know, um, Gods good and we own almonds now. These men were the real life inspirations for McFarland USA. With nothing to do in their small town, kidshave two choices: education and sports or the streets. 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 . Damacio Diaz, right, shakes hands with Tomas Valles as the team readies for the start of the Southern section championships in the 1987 season. 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. 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. Mr. White had a lot more influence [on the script]. Damacio Diaz, 44, of McFarland, formerly a detective with the Bakersfield Police Department, was sentenced today to five years in prison for bribery . to know what it feels like to be [CHUCKLES] Same thing happened back in the day when we were kids. David Diaz is behind Victor wearing a white t-shirt and McFarland hat. That was the only thing really that they had thats available to show that type of work [for the movie]. He will have about two months to think about what comes next. Mr. White was there as a person that we can rely on. When the informant left, the narcotics detective found just under $1,000 in the passenger-side door pocket. We were about seven or eight years old when all that began. Each one of the brothers are land owners in McFarland. Members of McFarland's Diaz family reflect JIM WHITE : Thomas. Diaz pleaded guilty to stealing. A sentence of five years is less than what we expected, but its still a strong sentence, he said outside the courtroom after the hearing. 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 . When the informant left, the narcotics detective found just under $1,000 in the passenger-side door pocket. Did that change how you ran in future races? Copyright 2023 KFSN-TV. Yet this fraud used his position for gain and greed. No, the real Coach Jim White actually started coaching cross country at McFarland High School in 1980. DAVID DIAZ : So, it helps you running wise and mentally wise, as well, because you have to endure that steepness, if you will. -LA Times. Coach White concurred and said their mom even asked why they didn't make her strict enough. The 16-count indictment against the 17-year police veteran includes bribery and trafficking methamphetamine. champions. Diazs attorney, David Torres, was clearly relieved by the judges decision. He literally would buy us shoes, feed us, counsel us, console us when we lost, that kinda stuff. You pick up any type of bug or any type of leaf, he knows what it is. So , DANNY DIAZ : Mr. White never went back to Stockton never again. Jim White is the main character of the sports drama film McFarland, USA. 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. That decision also rocked the Kern County criminal justice system, marking the beginning of an ugly police corruption scandal involving cash, drugs and protection. No. They were cross country state champs in 1987, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1999, 2000 and 2001. [LAUGHS]. Wife of California doctor who drove family off cliff in Tesla doesn't want him prosecuted . 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. Is that how the last race happened? Four years ago on a sweltering afternoon, Bakersfield Police Det. Ray was arrested in February 2020 and in April 2022, following a four-week trial, he was convicted on several counts. Four years ago on a sweltering afternoon, Bakersfield Police Det. It taught you how to accept losing or winning. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. 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. A South Valley legend so popular he became the subject of a Disney movie has taken a hard fall. He was a fifth grade teacher and before he was a P.E. [LAUGHS]. Select this result to view Damacio Diaz's phone number, address, and more. We were very happy that that was going to take place. Posted on Published: February 18, 2015- Last updated: August 7, 2022. Second former BPD cop could receive up to 27 years, but Deputies agree to plead guilty to drug charge in case connected to disgraced BPD cop, VIDEO: Christmas wonderland featuring the Grinch Mobile, Graphic Content: 2014 homicide of Abel Trujillo, Kern County Public Health Services Department, Mansion's $3M sale tops high-end price trend, California community colleges rely too much on part-time faculty and misspend funds, audit finds, Frontier's Estrada repeats as 145-pound state boys wrestling champion; Golden Valley's Roby is runner-up in girls 189, Aera sells to German energy investor, Canadian pension fund, Home prices still under pressure as Bakersfields median skids, PHOTO GALLERY: Day 3 of the 3-day CIF State Wrestling Championships, PHOTO GALLERY: Day 2 of the 3-day CIF State Wrestling Championships, PHOTO GALLERY: Day 1 of March Meet at Famoso Raceway, PHOTO GALLERY: Opening day of the 3-day CIF State Wrestling Championships, PHOTO GALLERY: Kennedy hosts Delano in the Central Section Division V boys soccer championship, PHOTO GALLERY: 'It keeps them wanting to come to school': Shirley Lane Elementary celebrates Read Across America, PHOTO GALLERY: 'A beautiful Black History Month party', PHOTO GALLERY: Cold snap causes snow, road closures near Frazier Park, PHOTO GALLERY: CALM's black bear Cid makes Super Bowl pick. Everyone there is excited about the movie and thenotoriety they have been receiving from it. They are portrayed to be 15 and 10, a few years younger than they actually were at the time of the first state title in 1987 (the girls were in college at the time). When I found out that it was Christian driven (truth !) was like to have a movie made about his DAVID DIAZ : Not at all. DANNY DIAZ : You know, growing up in McFarland we didnt have much. Diaz pleaded guilty last spring as part of a plea agreement that became public in May. All of us went to college. No foul language or nudity - just fresh air. 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. Soon Diaz and Mara were getting into other illegal activities, authorities said. Then to keep him on the narrow road or that straight road is tough. That is definitely true. DANNY DIAZ : That is true. All seven Diaz children ran for Jim White and all seven went on to . Not exactly. But federal agents arrested him at work today. Powered by WordPress.com VIP. View Public Details & Court Records. Here's what we know. Diaz initially became well-known after the release of 2015 Disney movie, McFarland USA, starring Kevin Costner.. The detective tipped him off about a Drug Enforcement Administration wiretap that captured him chatting, advising him to lay low, according to documents. Mr. White had a lot more influence in how this script was written. Delaney was the prosecutor in the case. 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. During the investigation, five other officers were placed on administrative leave related to the investigation and one recently resigned. Paul Fischer, 73, called the Inyo County . Atty. Its hard to understand how he could do both.. Jim White is to Thomas' right and Gary Adams is to White's right. McFarland High School is actually just down the road from the Central Valley Correctional Facility, not across the street. CA. 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. 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. challenged town in California's farm-rich More than 100 convictions were overturned as a result. JIM WHITE : Let me add a little bit of that. FRESNO, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) Former Bakersfield police detective Damacio Diaz was sentenced Monday in federal court to five years in prison. 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. Former detective Patrick Mara was also implicated in the same crime. [Asking Danny referring to the last race of the first year]. Back then, McFarland was largely white demographically. He did submit every kind of narcotics to evidence following each bust. Twitter. Under the circumstances, theres absolutely no issue of dual justice here, he said. 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. The best result we found for your search is Damacio Diaz age 50s in Bakersfield, CA. In May 2020, Diaz was released from a halfway house in Sacramento, where he was staying after serving his time. Dozens of Coach Jim White's runners ended up going to college or into the armed forces. 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. Information from: The Bakersfield Californian, http://www.bakersfield.com. All Access Digital offer for just 99 cents! Yes. We basically told our story, got interviewed for hours and hour and hours, and that was pretty much it. Where are Damacio and Patrick now? But this is gonna be a family movie, so it is okay. The corruption scandal broke in November 2015 when federal agents arrested Bakersfield Police Detective Damacio Diaz for helping traffic methamphetamines. You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times. 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. He retired in 2003 after 23 years of coaching boys cross country. What about the children? Likely not. 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. The former narcotics officer is now known, however, for going to prison in 2016 for charges tied to drugs, bribery and tax fraud. Mara was released from a halfway house in April after serving a little less than four years in federal prison. But in reality the script that was written, we prayed that it would never happen. They pocketed 4 pounds and turned in just a pound as evidence, officials said. I had never been the top five, and as you know the top five are the ones that score. The love they genuinely have for him was heartfelt and true. Carter would then could sell those narcotics for profit. Mara said that when he partnered up with Diaz in spring 2012, Diaz walked out of a bedroom and handed him a few hundred dollars, while he stuck a large amount of money into his own pockets, according to court papers. 2023 Cinemaholic Inc. All rights reserved. Coach White called Thomas over. This hearing is not about telling someone they are no good, ONeill said. The movie is based on the true story of a 1987 cross . 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. Read More: Where are BPD Officers Aaron Stringer and Rick Wimbish Now? I never had pressure. "I think it goes to show that sometimes the portrayal of images, and good work that has happened in the past, sometimes comes to what we see today and that people aren't always what they seem," said Greg Williamson, Bakersfield police chief. The legendary former McFarland Diaz will be sentenced for three federal counts on October 3rd. [LAUGHS], Kevin Costner and Carlos Pratts in McFarland, USA. A true crime thriller we made set in Kevin McCarthys district. SPONSORED LINKS 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. So, it was a big deal for us. 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. Juanita Diaz. it was in various stages, because this was about a 15-year process for us, my wife and I . But U.S. Atty. Welcome to Killing County. 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. Ray referred to Felicia Rosario as his "wife," though they were never married. There is no shame in admitting that this case has kept me awake at night, and few do, ONeill said to the packed courtroom. Public corruption takes a heavy toll on our communities, and our office remains committed to prosecuting such conduct.". Acting U.S. Atty. 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. White retired in 2002 afterteaching in McFarland schools for 40 years and coaching for 25 years. In an extraordinary statement, Judge ONeill spoke directly to Diazs daughter, Caroline. 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. Greens office reviewed 87 cases of the detectives involving 123 defendants before deciding to send the letters. He gave them information to clean up the department, said his lawyer, David Torres, in an interview. Now we are a runner running through the field, a figure silhouette of a runner. You have permission to edit this article. It depends on the circumstances. McFarland, USA: Directed by Niki Caro. The Feds arrested him at the department Friday morning and removed evidence. Eliu Garza, also a McFarland High runner, is . 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. In Boise, Idaho, 1987, Jim White and his title of coach is signifying his status as a . Low 44F. 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. They work in the school system and believe in. So, thats a big change. Yes. In the least, such scenes seem to have been exaggerated by the filmmakers. 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. Plus I love Kevin Costner! 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. That is why it was so amazing and cool that I got to interview Jim White, David Diaz, Damacio Diaz, and Danny Diaz. I didnt enjoy it very much. DAMACIO DIAZ, by and through his counsel, DAVID A. TORRES, hereby submits Damacio Diaz' Statement in Mitigation for the court's consideration. Although, David did add that his mom is actually much more strict than she is made to bein the movie. . Kevin Costner (Coach Jim White) and Diana Maria Riva (Seora Diaz) in McFarland, USA. We signed with this one company. And so, its just a fun place to be. Learn more about the McFarland, USA true story by watching the Jim White interview below. 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. How much or any input did you have to have on the filming, the making the movie? This one looks awesome, can't wait to see it. Damacio Diaz, former BPD detective who stole drugs and put them back on the street, released from custody Yes. See Sites with Your Personal Info. School. Its grown a little bit in the last two, three years but not much has changed. 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. Director Niki Caro chose to omit Luis Partida, who in the movie is replaced with David Diaz. and last updated 2016-10-03 21:34:05-04. Thats what they wanted to do and Im just excited to be included in the movie. 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. 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. 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. Calif. There are no shopping malls or large grocery stores. Diaz, a 17-year Bakersfield cop, worked on 32 cases involving 53 defendants, with 20 requiring letters, she said. Killing County is scheduled to premiere on Hulu on Friday, February 3. 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 . Copyright 2017 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. His viewpoint of not changing too much from that aspect I see a definite change. Did Coach White encourage you to use any of his style when youre teaching or coaching? His performance at the 1987 state meet did help McFarland lock up the title. So, my dad worked ten, twelve, thirteen, fourteen hours a day sometimes and both of them [his parents] come from large families. But thats okay. He is amazing. However, it was later revealed that BPD Detectives Damacio Diaz and Patrick Mara were involved in making Ramirez an informant. FEMALE : How McFarland had changed, um, now that the movies gone? I still currently run. And we were running number one all year long. 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. Silvia was 16 and Herlinda was 14. picking in the fields. 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? We have changed our city logo. But, yes, I did that. DANNY DIAZ : Running in the race, Mr. White and the rest of the guys were telling me Joses out of it. Both men are currently in halfway houses, Diaz in the Sacramento area and Mara in the Long Beach area. He got into the truck and began to talk with Coach White about his difficulties at home. Hi everyone! David is represented in the McFarland, USA movie along with two of his brothers, Damacio and Danny. What is going on here is really outrageous, said criminal defense attorney Mark Geragos. Many of the citizens of McFarland were extras in the movie. What Happened to Damacio Diaz? [LAUGHS] And we dont have the big grocery stores. and preaching in the Church of Christ. Copyright 2023 Lovebugs and Postcards | Birch on Trellis Framework by Mediavine. Defense attorneys compared the Bakersfield situation to the Los Angeles Police Departments Rampart scandal in the late 1990s, in which corrupt officers tainted cases. And we were part of the Royal Rangers andwe did that on Tuesday nights at our local church. Unlike most defendants sentenced to prison for drug trafficking and other serious crimes, Diaz, dressed in a dark suit, walked out of the courthouse Monday afternoon unshackled, temporarily a free man. Like in the movie, Thomas Valles went to an overpass above Highway 99 one night after his parents got into a horrible fight. Diaz, who has been allowed to remain free throughout the process, cooperated fully with investigators, according to the prosecution. And theres not much to do there. DAMACIO DIAZ : And if I can add to that. BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (AP) An ex-detective who was on the championship 1987 track team depicted in the movie McFarland USA has been sentenced to five years in prison after pleading guilty to bribery and drug charges.
Move 2 Matchsticks To Make 5 Equal Diamonds,
How Heavy Is A 30 Gallon Tree,
Best Dns Servers For Xbox Series X,
James Thornton Obituary,
Articles D