Public corruption takes a heavy toll on our communities, and our office remains committed to prosecuting such conduct.". Silvia was 16 and Herlinda was 14. We were about seven or eight years old when all that began. Damacio Diaz: Where is the Former Detective Now? DAMACIO DIAZ : Mr. White might have more than us. Known as @lacrimes on Twitter, during almost 30 years at The Times he also has been part of the breaking news staff that won Pulitzers in 1998, 2004 and 2016. Both are about to begin five-year federal prison sentences for their crimes. JIM WHITE : Let me add a little bit of that. Do you feel like the movie does a good job of describing that culture (of family and pickers)? In the movie, you [Coach White] spent a day picking in the fields with the boys. [LAUGHS]. Join Facebook to connect with Damacio Diaz and others you may know. McFarland Residents Shocked by Arrest of Bakersfield Cop Portrayed in Please log in, or sign up for a new account to continue reading. That is definitely true. Now, local prosecutors say the scandal jeopardizes other criminal cases. Damacio Diaz Photos and Premium High Res Pictures - Getty Images But he encouraged us to play sports. 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). Source: YouTube/KGET Article continues below advertisement What about the children? 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. McFarland, USA comes to theaters on Friday, February 20th. Damacio Diaz was a subject of the movie McFarland USA and became a Bakersfield police officer. DAVID DIAZ : He was a very inspirational part. It was at the Bakersfield Police Department that Damacio was able to rise the ranks in the way hed always desired going from patrol operations to serving at several high-profile units. They all spend some time running with the cross country team, as well as with their own kids. It taught you discipline. I was just running to, to displace other runners and add them more points. I am excited to share with you another great interview from my McFarland, USA press trip. Two years later, we signed with another one, not quite that often, but it took a long process. Thomas Valles | You can't have my job, but I'll tell you a story Hes a pretty good coach, too. 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. 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. Former Bakersfield Police Department Detective Sentenced to 5 Years in Speaking of running, we asked the Diaz brothers if they still run. They investigated every name that came up, uncovered every rock, and no one elses name came to light in their scandal, the chief said. [LAUGHS], Kevin Costner and Carlos Pratts in McFarland, USA. However, he did rebuild the boys and girls cross country programs from the ground up. 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 - Address & Phone Number | Whitepages You know we are a God-fearing folks, so we were teaching in Sunday school on Sundays. But U.S. Atty. 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. He offers the kids a chance Like in the movie, Thomas Valles went to an overpass above Highway 99 one night after his parents got into a horrible fight. Where Is Damacio Diaz Now? 'Killing County' Catches up With Him Eliu Garza, also a McFarland High runner, is . DAMACIO DIAZ, by and through his counsel, DAVID A. TORRES, hereby submits Damacio Diaz' Statement in Mitigation for the court's consideration. 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 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. Some, like David Diaz, became teachers themselves. Mara was released from a halfway house a month before Diaz, in April 2020, after serving just under four years in federal prison. DAVID DIAZ : He was out in my field still in the evening helping me do my work. And Johnny was with him. I never had pressure. 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. Damacio Diaz is one of the subjects of new Hulu documentary Killing County. School. By Laura Donaldson On 2/3/23 at 8:00 AM EST However, it happened a little differently than in the movie. All of us went to college. Newsweek has everything you need to know about what happened to Bakersfield cop Damacio Diaz and why. [LAUGHS] We didnt do cabbage. Magallanes then told another drug dealer to dump his phone. -LCU.edu, Yes. We didnt have that close to us. and preaching in the Church of Christ. Officer Damacio Diaz - Ugly Judge However, similar to the film, Jim White had never been a runner himself and used the bike to follow the team during their workouts. Clovis PD investigating woman's death, asking public to avoid area. Delaney was the prosecutor in the case. The hearing included impassioned appeals by Diazs brother, wife and daughter, with the two latter witnesses in tears through much of their statements. 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. So the only way I could get some of them into some of the fields that I had to do the work with them. [LAUGHS] We all, all of us are basketball players. - 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. Also, take a closer look at the Diaz family, who had seven children run for McFarland. Facebook gives people the power to. The sentence received Monday was more lenient than prosecutors had urged for Damacio Diaz, a 17-year veteran of the Bakersfield Police Department. Diaz was a local celebrity at the time. country team. Five years in jail for a law enforcement officer thats still a serious sentence. Those are the two extremes and those are the two options that are there for our community. His viewpoint of not changing too much from that aspect I see a definite change. Coach White called Thomas over. Their actions risked their fellow officers safety for greed.. With Kevin Costner, Ramiro Rodriguez, Carlos Pratts, Johnny Ortiz. And so, I cant keep up with my kids in high school [CHUCKLES], but I go with my little seven-year-old. But if it werent for sports our kids would be lost, because its either education and sports or the streets. 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. So, with myself, they [CHUCKLES] made me chubby in the movie. As, as hes retired. 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.". Meet Coach White and the Diaz Brothers Inspirations - Mama Latina Tips See Who's Searching for You. 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. And, uh, low and behold, Mr. White, during Thanksgiving break, uh, when we have no school, he had an emergency. DANNY DIAZ : We, we love basketball. That day I was fifth runner and I felt so much pressure, but you know, lucky we were able to pull it off. We, we basically told our story, got interviewed for hours and hour and hours, and that was pretty much it. 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.". These men were the real life inspirations for McFarland USA. The. View Public Details & Court Records. 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 . McFarland, USA (2015) - IMDb They spoke often of God and their church, as well as the work they do there. During the investigation, five other officers were placed on administrative leave related to the investigation and one recently resigned. 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. experience coaching the team. Get Morning Report and other email newsletters. We run once in a whileamongst, DAVID DIAZ : ourselves. Diaz, and father and mother Paul and Former detective Patrick Mara was also implicated in the same crime. Diazs loyalty to Magallanes would be his downfall. We would like your email. Damacio Diaz sentenced | KBAK 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. Yet this fraud used his position for gain and greed. A true crime thriller we made set in Kevin McCarthys district. 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. About $15,000 stuck out of Magallanes'. After the interview we were able to get a picture with them. Select this result to view Damacio Diaz's phone number, address, and more. We basically told our story, got interviewed for hours and hour and hours, and that was pretty much it. They appeared happy to be with us, and they enjoyed sharing their behind the scenes stories about the . Likely not. So, for us it was normal. Were all a year apart. We then wanted to know, "How much, if any, input did you have to have on the filming and the making the movie?Damacio Diaz: Mr. White might have had more than us. She is preceded in death by her husband Damacio Diaz. Local photojournalist John Harte, who followed the team at the time, says that he witnessed opposing teams offer genuine handshakes of good luck. Right now our community is excited obviously with the movie and rightfully so. No foul language or nudity - just fresh air. Everyone there is excited about the movie and thenotoriety they have been receiving from it. The ramifications of the corruption scandal could be large. 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 fact, a blink of an eye as you drive down Highway 99 in California and you will miss it. Atty. Early on, ONeill seemed to be signaling he was taking a hard-line stance. They were sooo funny to chat with. The most police executions. Although, David did add that his mom is actually much more strict than she is made to bein the movie. I still currently run. You have permission to edit this article. And we were running number one all year long. The relationship between the brothers and Coach White is endearing. He also committed serious, reprehensible crimes. The legendary former McFarland Leopoldo's father abandoned his wife and children. 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. Phillip A. Talbert said the two detectives were specially selected for a joint drug task force in a region plagued by methamphetamine. Delaney was the prosecutor in the case. Kevin Costner and others picking in the fields in McFarland, USA. He told me to take my wife out on a date or buy my kids something, Diaz would later recall in court papers. And so, we have a great dad. However, he had been a teacher in the McFarland School District since 1964, following his graduation from Pepperdine University. 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. 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. But Mr. White was our second father. 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Disneys McFarland, USA, is helping to put the Diazs hometown on the map across the globe. went on to college. So Im always looking out for their kids. Interview with Jim White and the Diaz Brothers for McFarland, USA The best result we found for your search is Damacio Diaz age 50s in Bakersfield, CA. I have seven kids myself and all of us have a lot of kids. Then to keep him on the narrow road or that straight road is tough. Mr. Diaz, their dad Paul, he pushed education real hard, too. And so, its just a fun place to be. An interview with Jim White, David Diaz, Damacio Diaz and Danny Diaz it was in various stages, because this was about a 15-year process for us, my wife and I . A lot of us competed in college. Their city logo and motto have both been refreshed to express the new outlook of their community. Wife of public defender who died at Mexico resort speaks out. So, that was a real good part of the movie though. If I could beat their third, fourth, fifth man, sixth man whatever, I would add more points to them. What happened to Damacio Diaz? Bakersfield cop seen in 'Killing County' . Bakersfield detective pleads guilty to bribery, drug possession: 'I got In our case, you know, theres seven and my dad worked a lot of hours. cross country coach talks about what it With nothing to do in their small town, kidshave two choices: education and sports or the streets. Kern County Dist. 2023 Cinemaholic Inc. All rights reserved. He went back and got it. Yes. Here's what we know. When the informant left, the narcotics detective found just under $1,000 in the passenger-side door pocket. "Sometimes I helped them work in the fields," says the real Coach Jim White, "but more importantly, I had practice at a different time. 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. Assistant U.S. Atty Brian Delaney said Magallanes was arrested in a separate case and told officials about Diaz. A look at the real "McFarland USA" kids and coach Jim White Juanita Diaz. 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. The love they genuinely have for him was heartfelt and true. He got into the truck and began to talk with Coach White about his difficulties at home. Plus I am a big Kevin Costner fan, I dont think I have ever not liked one of his movies. 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. Paul Fischer, 73, called the Inyo County . He must report to federal authorities before 2 p.m. Dec. 5 to begin serving his sentence. 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. They are amazing guys who still have that humble hardworking attitude! That is why it was so amazing and cool that I got to interview Jim White, David Diaz, Damacio Diaz, and Danny Diaz. 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. 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). Hi everyone! Low 44F. Those suckers are, are steep. Former detective Patrick Mara was also. DAMACIO DIAZ : Yeah, were very, very proud of the way the movie portrayed us, our family. See more stories in. Thanks! children ran for Jim White and all seven Girl, 13, Went Missing Last Week, and Suspect Is Arrested on . This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. it's not all true but he's okay with that. In the least, such scenes seem to have been exaggerated by the filmmakers. A drug and corruption scandal has rocked the Bakersfield Police Department. Damacio Diaz - CA Cross Country Bio - Athletic.net to know what it feels like to be Copyright 2023 KFSN-TV. I used to take Damacio and some of hispeers. White sees the athletic Learn how your comment data is processed. JIM WHITE : Thomas. See Sites with Your Personal Info. Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. Damacio stated that they were very proud of the way the movie portrayed their story their family. Oh, its more than an indiscretion, he said. Inspired by the irony of his last name, "Blanco" was one of the nicknames that the kids and their families gave Jim White. Powered by WordPress.com VIP. Its grapes and its oranges and its almonds and its cotton and stuff in our area, but those werent available. The Feds arrested him at the. Damacio Diaz. BPD detective Damacio Diaz, portrayed in McFarland USA movie arrested Coach Jim White is retired now, but if you go to McFarland, chances are you willsee him out there on his bike, keeping up with the kids every evening with a lotof his original team running alongside as well. Patrick Mara, center, speaks while flanked by attorney Fred Gagliardini. 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. . DANNY DIAZ : Once you give them your story, obviously you sign with them. Damacio Diaz was released Friday from a halfway house in. DIAZEugenia Vasquez Diaz loving wife, mother, grandmother passed away on August 1, 2012 at the age of 94. [LAUGHS] Theymade me, uh . 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. Under it you read three words:Tradition, Unity, and Excellence. [LAUGHS]. Our third man, Jose, he just-. September 22, 2016, 12:07 PM. He called it a fair sentence, under the circumstances, and rejected the suggestion that it was an example of dual justice: one set of standards for those viewed with favor by the system, and another set for those without resources or with no history of working in the criminal justice system. Diaz, Damacio Diaz, David Diaz, Diego Along with fellow BPD Detective Patrick Mara, 40, the two were sentenced to five years in federal prison. Still, Williamson said, the corrupt detectives had eroded trust with the community. 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. 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 . Eguenia was best described by many that This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Newsweek has everything you need to know about what happened to Bakersfield cop Damacio Diaz and why he is featured on Killing County. Diaz, a 17-year Bakersfield cop, worked on 32 cases involving 53 defendants, with 20 requiring letters, she said. We dont have actually any [CHUCKLES] malls. This included members of the Bakersfield High Drillers. 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. -KGET 17, Yes. All seven Diaz Yes. Raul was also a runner on the team when his sister was killed. DANNY DIAZ : Yeah, if you drive600 miles out . DAMACIO DIAZ : And if I can add to that. Colin Kaepernick's New Docuseries Looks at Calif. Police Department Copyright 2020 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Probe Into Corrupt Cops in Kern County Deepens | KQED These were the guys running in the California heat and winning state titles. However, it was later revealed that BPD Detectives Damacio Diaz and Patrick Mara were involved in making Ramirez an informant. The U.S. Attorneys Office had recommended a sentence of between roughly 17 and 22 years, but the judge had discretion. It was fat. Would they flee bargain the same way with non-police criminals? [CHUCKLES] Same thing happened back in the day when we were kids. The corruption scandal broke in November 2015 when federal agents arrested Bakersfield Police Detective Damacio Diaz for helping traffic methamphetamines. We signed with this one company. Disgraced cop's 5-year sentence a fraction of prosection's 6:40 p.m. Oct. 25, 2016: A previous version of this article said the district attorneys office reviewed 108 cases involving the detectives. According to Torres, the federal system will keep Diaz behind bars for more than four years before he becomes eligible for release. But I still do that and I coach. The former narcotics officer is now known, however, for going to prison in 2016 for charges tied to drugs, bribery and tax fraud. He is amazing. 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.
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