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. 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. Federal authorities say 43-year-old Damacio Diaz took bribes from a narcotics dealer, and, in exchange, provided the names of police informants, gave details of law enforcement investigations, and tried to protect him from arrest. 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. Their mom and dad worked hard and pushed the boys even harder to succeed and do well. - 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. The U.S. Attorneys Office had recommended a sentence of between roughly 17 and 22 years, but the judge had discretion. Damacio seemingly prefers to stay well away from the spotlight these days, but we do know the family man tied the knot with his long-term partner, teacher Courtney Diaz, on January 26, 2021. So, my dad worked ten, twelve, thirteen, fourteen hours a day sometimes and both of them [his parents] come from large families. [LAUGHS]. 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. DAMACIO DIAZ : Mr. White might have more than us. Diaz, a 17-year Bakersfield cop, worked on 32 cases involving 53 defendants, with 20 requiring letters, she said. As well as accepting illegal bribes, Diaz engaged in drug trafficking while with the BPD. 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. He retired in 2003 after 23 years of coaching boys cross country. And sports is what kind of helped us get out of that. 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. But Mr. White was our second father. Diaz pleaded guilty last spring as part of a plea agreement that became public in May. BAKERSFIELD, Calif. A former Bakersfield Police detective, serving time in prison for his role in a drug ring, has been released. The former NFL player is an executive producer on Hulu's "Killing County.". [LAUGHS] We didnt do cabbage. 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. 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 . 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. We hope that you continue to enjoy our free content. [CHUCKLES] And, and we didnt train and we got fifth that year. Copyright 2023 Lovebugs and Postcards | Birch on Trellis Framework by Mediavine. Damacio Diaz pleaded guilty to bribery, drugtrafficking and tax evasion. But his chief is ready to turn his back. This included members of the Bakersfield High Drillers. He was a fifth grade teacher and before he was a P.E. "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. Vida en el Valle file Daniel Casarez. Atty. Delaney was the prosecutor in the case. potential at the predominantly Latino high All seven Diaz children ran for Jim White and all seven went on to . I notice a lot of you became teachers. 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. My dad has 13 brothers and sisters. And he told me I want them to get their education, so I will go back and get my education. He offers the kids a chance 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. He will then be subject to three years of supervised release. We are no longer theHeartbeat of Agriculture. Powered by WordPress.com VIP. Now that he's cooperating with authorities, he has allegedly implicated others in the department, including his former partner . 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. Four years ago on a sweltering afternoon, Bakersfield Police Det. 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. A lot of us competed in college. Not the right Damacio Diaz? When I found out that it was Christian driven (truth !) PE teacher in McFarland, an economically All Rights Reserved. [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. [LAUGHS] And we dont have the big grocery stores. White and many other family members and friends were in court to support Diaz. It taught you discipline. . CA. Diaz did a lot of good things, Delaney said. Um, Im running my first half marathon soon, and, um, I just wanna know are those hills what you really trained on? Damacio seemingly prefers to stay well away from the spotlight these days, but we do know the family man tied the knot with his long-term partner, teacher Courtney Diaz, on January 26, 2021. He must report to federal authorities before 2 p.m. Dec. 5 to begin serving his sentence. [Asking Danny referring to the last race of the first year]. Fun fact: Rafael Martinez, who plays David Diaz in the movie, is one of my closest friends even to this day! My dad gives me a sense of security, she told the court. Learn how your comment data is processed. Local photojournalist John Harte, who followed the team at the time, says that he witnessed opposing teams offer genuine handshakes of good luck. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. 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. 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). The movie pushes up his arrival and coaching position at McFarland to 1987, the first year his cross country team attended and won the state championship (1987 was also the very first year that California had a state championship). [CHUCKLES] And about two years ago, Mr. White, you help me pull? There are no shopping malls or large grocery stores. I feel safe knowing he is in my corner.. If it were ethical, I would pay to have you go to UCLA, he said, noting that it clearly was not. We didnt have that close to us. It does take a village [CHUCKLES] to raise, a child. Welcome to Killing County. 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. The drugs were seized by Bakersfield police officers Damacio Diaz and Patrick Mara before being given to Noel Carter, 45, so he could sell them, according to federal prosecutors. 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. 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 . So I'd have two practices." The love they genuinely have for him was heartfelt and true. 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. Former detective Patrick Mara was also implicated in the same crime. [LAUGHS]. Director Niki Caro chose to omit Luis Partida, who in the movie is replaced with David Diaz. Patrick Mara, center, speaks while flanked by attorney Fred Gagliardini. Coach White called Thomas over. Date Ideas Marriage Affirmations Affirmations for Him Marriage Tips Real Life Marriage DIY Marriage Retreat, Baby Activities for Kids Affirmations for Kids Parenting Teens Communication is Key Spreading Their Wings, Curriculum Preschool Elementary Most Asked Questions Things You Didn't Know Tips for Success, First Grandchild Role of Grandparents Getting Started Big Shoes to Fill They Say Your Name Grandparent Adventures. We dont have the big malls. They pocketed 4 pounds and turned in just a pound as evidence, officials said. So, Danny youre talking about they made you a little different. 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. But if it werent for sports our kids would be lost, because its either education and sports or the streets. Sports in high school can make or break a young man. challenged town in California's farm-rich "He told me to take my wife out on a date or buy my kids something," Diaz would later. country team. Paul Fischer, 73, called the Inyo County . When the informant left, the narcotics detective found just under $1,000 in the passenger-side door pocket. That is why it was so amazing and cool that I got to interview Jim White, David Diaz, Damacio Diaz, and Danny Diaz. Diaz and his partner, Patrick Mara, later admitted to ripping off drug dealers of their methamphetamine during traffic stops. DANNY DIAZ : Absolutely. Julie and Jami are depicted in the McFarland, USA movie. 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.". The. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, Desperate mountain residents trapped by snow beg for help; We are coming, sheriff says, Hidden, illegal casinos are booming in L.A., with organized crime reaping big profits, Look up: The 32 most spectacular ceilings in Los Angeles, This fabled orchid breeder loves to chat just not about Trader Joes orchids, Elliott: Kings use their heads over hearts in trading Jonathan Quick, 19 cafes that make L.A. a world-class coffee destination, Newsom, IRS give Californians until October to file tax returns, 12 reasons why Sycamore Avenue is L.A.s coolest new hangout, Best coffee city in the world? When one of Diazs attorneys used the word indiscretion to describe Diazs misdeeds, ONeill interrupted. They couldve chosen any other team, because we have nine state titles. -KGET 17, Yes. (I am in the red in the back betweenDamacio and Danny). DANNY DIAZ : Running in the race, Mr. White and the rest of the guys were telling me Joses out of it. No, the real Coach Jim White actually started coaching cross country at McFarland High School in 1980. Its grown a little bit in the last two, three years but not much has changed. See more stories in. That streak ended while the movie was in production, after the small school was elevated to Division I status, a byproduct of their success. Danny and Damacio run 3 to 5 miles a day to simply stay in shape. 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. The real Jim White and wife Cheryl White actually have three daughters, Tami, Julie and Jami. Silvia died on October 27, Herlinda on October 28. But U.S. Atty. Damacio Diaz was sitting in his car alongside informant Guillermo "Memo" Magallanes. I am excited to share with you another great interview from my McFarland, USA press trip. 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. 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. McFarland, USA comes to theaters on Friday, February 20th. Damacio Diaz, 44, of McFarland, formerly a detective with the Bakersfield Police Department, was sentenced today to five years in prison for bribery . 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.". Raul was also a runner on the team when his sister was killed. The former narcotics officer is now known, however, for going to prison in 2016 for charges tied to drugs, bribery and tax fraud. And Johnny was with him. Mr. White was there as a person that we can rely on. Did that change how you ran in future races? 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. "It was damaging. JIM WHITE : Let me add a little bit of that. Coach White concurred and said their mom even asked why they didn't make her strict enough. Diaz would quickly implicate Mara and then suggest others were making money too. 1999 - 2000 When the informant left, the narcotics detective found just under $1,000 in the passenger-side door pocket. After the interview we were able to get a picture with them. 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. [LAUGHS] Theymade me, uh . Read More: Where are BPD Officers Aaron Stringer and Rick Wimbish Now? on their time as cross country runners Both men are currently in halfway houses, Diaz in the Sacramento area and Mara in the Long Beach area. To you culture, um, is all about community and it takes a village to raise a child. DAMACIO DIAZ : Yeah, were very, very proud of the way the movie portrayed us, our family. It was indeed the first time that many of the kids ever saw the ocean. The movie is based on the true story of a 1987 cross . Additionally, Coach White would be there for counseling and fulfilling needs beyond what their parents could afford. [CHUCKLES] Same thing happened back in the day when we were kids. Those suckers are, are steep. Defense attorneys compared the Bakersfield situation to the Los Angeles Police Departments Rampart scandal in the late 1990s, in which corrupt officers tainted cases. Although, David did add that his mom is actually much more strict than she is made to be in the movie. And difficult to say what opportunities were missed or how much damage was done," said Benjamin Wagner, US Attorney. Still, it was rarely the entire quantity as he, his partner Patrick Mara, as well as an associate, reportedly had this combined side hustle. Likely not. 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. Disney turned it into a. DAVID DIAZ : Not at all. We signed with this one company. Yet this fraud used his position for gain and greed. Atty. Back then, McFarland was largely white demographically. Do you feel like the movie does a good job of describing that culture (of family and pickers)? Get up to speed with our Essential California newsletter, sent six days a week. 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. I didnt enjoy it very much. 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 . But even worse, they say he tipped off the drug dealer when police might be coming his way, even giving the guy information from a secret wiretap. And, wow, those hills are its not rolling hills. And then Disney resigned us and got a better script writer. That year, Mara filed for bankruptcy and said he was drinking heavily. An elderly couple from Las Vegas were found dead earlier this month in Death Valley National Park, law enforcement officials said. Diaz, a former Bakersfield police detective, is interviewed on camera in Killing County. More than 100 convictions were overturned as a result. Information from: The Bakersfield Californian, http://www.bakersfield.com. DAVID DIAZ : And just to let you know, um, Gods good and we own almonds now. director of photography Film Editing by David Coulson Casting By Sheila Jaffe Production Design by Richard Hoover PUBLISHED: October 4, 2016 at 7:44 a.m. | UPDATED: October 4, 2016 at 7:53 a.m. BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (AP) An ex-detective who was on the championship 1987 track team depicted in the movie . However, it happened a little differently than in the movie. 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. His attorney says he should be home for the holidays and then back in court in Fresno in January. No foul language or nudity - just fresh air. And we try to trip him up on that, and hes very smart in that regard.
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