challenged town in California's farm-rich It gave you character. [LAUGHS] And we dont have the big grocery stores. They spoke often of God and their church, as well as the work they do there. Honestly, as we sat and talked with the Diaz brothers 3things were very apparent. [CHUCKLES]. DAMACIO DIAZ : For us, I believe sports, in general, we were already tough kids and we were used to working hard and theyre seven of us in our family. Each one of the brothers are land owners in McFarland. Two years later, we signed with another one, not quite that often, but it took a long process. 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. it was in various stages, because this was about a 15-year process for us, my wife and I . Damacio is related to Elizabeth Z Diaz and Delia G Garza as well as 3 additional people. Former detective Patrick Mara was also implicated in the same crime. It reviewed 87 cases. Newsweek has everything you need to know about what happened to Bakersfield cop Damacio Diaz and why. DANNY DIAZ : Absolutely. The Bakersfield Californian says (http://bit.ly/2dGESLb) the U.S. Attorneys Office recommended between 17 and 22 years. Davids the oldest and he was a bully. Diaz this summer pleaded guilty to bribery, drug trafficking and tax evasion, and Mara admitted to selling methamphetamine. 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. [LAUGHS]. 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. My dad gives me a sense of security, she told the court. [LAUGHS], Kevin Costner and Carlos Pratts in McFarland, USA. DAMACIO DIAZ : Mr. White might have more than us. Were all a year apart. [CHUCKLES] And, and we didnt train and we got fifth that year. Greens office reviewed 87 cases of the detectives involving 123 defendants before deciding to send the letters. The Feds said Diaz was cheating the system in several ways -- for one, by stealing cash for drug buys or stealing the drugs from drug buys. I had never been the top five, and as you know the top five are the ones that score. Diaz will be sentenced for three federal counts on October 3rd. Hi everyone! He advised her to first trust in God, as the Almighty, he said, is not subject to the weaknesses and failings of humankind. 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. Diaz was a member of the team that won the state championship. Is that still happening in McFarland? 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. 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, and father and mother Paul and They all spend some time running with the cross country team, as well as with their own kids. Damacio Diaz. By Laura Donaldson On 2/3/23 at 8:00 AM EST His life story had been portrayed in the Disney movie "McFarland, USA". Sunny to partly cloudy. Now we are a runner running through the field, a figure silhouette of a runner. "I can't say I was going to jump, but I was thinking about my life and why some people would jump. [LAUGHS]. His performance at the 1987 state meet did help McFarland lock up the title. McFarland High School is actually just down the road from the Central Valley Correctional Facility, not across the street. it all made sense. country team. DAMACIO DIAZ : They said youre fat. Copyright 2023 Lovebugs and Postcards | Birch on Trellis Framework by Mediavine. director of photography Film Editing by David Coulson Casting By Sheila Jaffe Production Design by Richard Hoover This included members of the Bakersfield High Drillers. I used to take Damacio and some of hispeers. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. It taught you how to accept losing or winning. These guys are amazing and it was a pleasure meeting them and listening to them. Select this result to view Damacio Diaz's phone number, address, and more. Disgraced cop's 5-year sentence a fraction of prosection's recommendation, Corrupt cops compel Kern DA to inform defense attorneys about 'tainted' cases. We have changed our city logo. If I could beat their third, fourth, fifth man, sixth man whatever, I would add more points to them. 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. Coach White took the orders and delivered them. Still, Williamson said, the corrupt detectives had eroded trust with the community. The trio honestly had an unwavering determination in their efforts despite being mere teenagers at the time, and thats what eventually inspired the 2015 Disney sports drama film McFarland, USA. However, the former chose to pursue General Education as a field of study instead of focusing on his athleticism upon graduation because he apparently hoped to establish his career as a teacher. 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. Yet this fraud used his position for gain and greed. You have permission to edit this article. They have also lived in Mc Farland, CA and Delano, CA. [CHUCKLES] And about two years ago, Mr. White, you help me pull? 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. There is no shame in admitting that this case has kept me awake at night, and few do, ONeill said to the packed courtroom. A full house of over three hundred gave a rousing standing ovation to Jim and his wife, Cheryl. Some of these teams that came after us were way better than us, way better than me as far as the running. Mara, a 13-year veteran, had 55 cases involving 70 defendants. [LAUGHS] Much worse. She argued that her husband has learned from his mistakes and should not face any prison time at all. 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. As a documentary series that delves deep into the alleged corruption, cover-ups, and crimes within the Bakersfield Police Department over the years, Hulus Killing County is unlike any other. But U.S. Atty. He told me to take my wife out on a date or buy my kids something, Diaz would later recall in court papers. We basically told our story, got interviewed for hours and hour and hours, and that was pretty much it. 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. Please log in, or sign up for a new account to continue reading. About $15,000 stuck out of Magallanes'. DAMACIO DIAZ : Our kids all compete. DANNY DIAZ : We, we love basketball. 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. Diaz initially became well-known after the release of 2015 Disney movie, McFarland USA, starring Kevin Costner.. And so, we have a great dad. 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. Yes. SPONSORED LINKS Diaz and his brother Danny were on the championship team; a third brother, David, had graduated by then but was included in the movie version. We didnt have that close to us. We maybe started school but hardly any of us finished. . Defense attorneys compared the Bakersfield situation to the Los Angeles Police Departments Rampart scandal in the late 1990s, in which corrupt officers tainted cases. Former detective Patrick Mara was also. But Mr. White was our second father. 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. So hes a very knowledgeable guy. Damacio Diaz one of the three Diaz brothers depicted in the 2015 Disney film about the victorious Central Valley team admitted to lying on his tax returns and accepting bribes from an . DAMACIO DIAZ : Yeah, were very, very proud of the way the movie portrayed us, our family. The sentence received Monday was more lenient than prosecutors had urged for Damacio Diaz, a 17-year veteran of the Bakersfield Police Department. 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. Former narcotics detective Damacio Diaz has accepted a plea deal in connection with federal charges that could send him to prison for life. [CHUCKLES] When we were growing up, maybe seven, eight, nine, ten thousand people is the population. It taught you discipline. It is a day I truly regret and a decision that has changed my entire life.. And he did. Silvia was 16 and Herlinda was 14. It was great meeting you on the trip - it was such fun! 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 . Right now our community is excited obviously with the movie and rightfully so. Do you feel like the movie does a good job of describing that culture (of family and pickers)? Jim White is the main character of the sports drama film McFarland, USA. 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). Everyone there is excited about the movie and thenotoriety they have been receiving from it. Yet his desire to always be at the front and center of action soon reached such an extent that he started blurring the line between right and wrong, resulting in his arrest in November 2015. DAMACIO DIAZ : The one that took off real fast, you know. In April 2019, Carter was sentenced to seven and a half years in prison for conspiring with Diaz and Mara to sell the seized drugs. But this is gonna be a family movie, so it is okay. So, thatwas good. JIM WHITE : Ive done it quite often. Public corruption takes a heavy toll on our communities, and our office remains committed to prosecuting such conduct.". Damacio Diaz - CA Cross Country results and photos on Athletic.net The legendary former McFarland of 1 We signed with this one company. Mr. White had a lot more influence [on the script]. We, we basically told our story, got interviewed for hours and hour and hours, and that was pretty much it. When the informant left, the narcotics detective found just under $1,000 in the passenger-side door pocket. Where are BPD Officers Aaron Stringer and Rick Wimbish Now. Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way. DANNY DIAZ : Uh, well, that was the last race for that year. We were very happy that that was going to take place. It reviewed 87 cases. Killing County is scheduled to premiere on Hulu on Friday, February 3. That year, Mara filed for bankruptcy and said he was drinking heavily. McFarland, USA (2015) Full Cast & Crew See agents for this cast & crew on IMDbPro Directed by Niki Caro Writing Credits Cast (in credits order) verified as complete Produced by Music by Antonio Pinto Cinematography by Adam Arkapaw . Though according to Damacios own account in the Hulu production, his dreams and aspirations took a complete turn once he witnessed some adrenaline-pumping, actual police work first-hand. And sports is what kind of helped us get out of that. [LAUGHS], JIM WHITE : Let, let me answer that, cause when Mrs. Diaz saw this film the first time, she came out and she said I love the film, but they didnt make me strict enough.. Both men are currently in halfway houses, Diaz in the Sacramento area and Mara in the Long Beach area. All opinions expressed are my own. 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. DAVID DIAZ : And just to let you know, um, Gods good and we own almonds now. But, yes, I did that. September 22, 2016, 12:07 PM. Four years ago on a sweltering afternoon, Bakersfield Police Det. Not the right Damacio Diaz? So, with myself, they [CHUCKLES] made me chubby in the movie. But he encouraged us to play sports. Their actions risked their fellow officers safety for greed.. Diaz's wife Courtney painted a picture him as a strong Christian and dedicated family man who in her words 'became a lost soul alone in the dark' while undercover. DAMACIO DIAZ : Us training together, maam? -John Harte, Yes, and at times the White family paid for new shoes and clothing for the team out of their own pockets. Those suckers are, are steep. DANNY DIAZ : That is true. The U.S. Attorneys Office had recommended a sentence of between roughly 17 and 22 years, but the judge had discretion. You pick up any type of bug or any type of leaf, he knows what it is. Diaz, who has been allowed to remain free throughout the process, cooperated fully with investigators, according to the prosecution. People Search He is amazing. 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). 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 . 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. But his chief is ready to turn his back. Defendants could seek motions for a new trial or to withdraw pleas in some cases. In 2016 Diaz was sentenced for crimes including federal. 17 Damacio Diaz Photos and Premium High Res Pictures - Getty Images FILTERS CREATIVE EDITORIAL VIDEO 17 Damacio Diaz Premium High Res Photos Browse 17 damacio diaz stock photos and images available, or start a new search to explore more stock photos and images. Plus I am a big Kevin Costner fan, I dont think I have ever not liked one of his movies. Coach White called Thomas over. We would like your email. You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times. When one of Diazs attorneys used the word indiscretion to describe Diazs misdeeds, ONeill interrupted. Damacio Diaz said he doesn't recognize the man he was three years ago when he was a detective working for Bakersfield police. This was an all expense paid trip provided by Disney. And difficult to say what opportunities were missed or how much damage was done," said Benjamin Wagner, US Attorney. Primary filming took place in McFarland, California in 2013. Yeah, yeah, yeah. under Coach Jim White at McFarland High Their mom and dad worked hard and pushed the boys even harder to succeed and do well. However, he did rebuild the boys and girls cross country programs from the ground up. Fun fact: Rafael Martinez, who plays David Diaz in the movie, is one of my closest friends even to this day! What Happened to Damacio Diaz? DAVID DIAZ : So, it helps you running wise and mentally wise, as well, because you have to endure that steepness, if you will. 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.". went on to college. The. All Rights Reserved. Included in the segment, titled The movie is based on the true story of a 1987 cross . Did Coach White encourage you to use any of his style when youre teaching or coaching? Did that change how you ran in future races? Learn more about the McFarland, USA true story by watching the Jim White interview below. Go see it with your family! They talk about being inspired to strive for something beyond picking in the fields. Damacio Diaz was a subject of the movie McFarland USA and became a Bakersfield police officer. 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. -LA Times. Its grapes and its oranges and its almonds and its cotton and stuff in our area, but those werent available. 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. In a remarkable statement made before reporters Friday, Kern County District Attorney Lisa Green said her office will mail out 64 letters to d, Positive Cases Among Kern Residents: 310,095, Recovered and Presumed Recovered Residents: 305,002, Percentage of all cases that are unvaccinated:71, Percentage of all hospitalizations that are unvaccinated:83.13, Source: Kern County Public Health Services Department. The love they genuinely have for him was heartfelt and true.
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