Uh, it was 1988 and I was a senior at that time and my brother, Damacio, was a junior. For my son, it pushed him to go to college and do well while he was in high school. However, he had been a teacher in the McFarland School District since 1964, following his graduation from Pepperdine University. It was great meeting you on the trip - it was such fun! Under the circumstances, theres absolutely no issue of dual justice here, he said. Four years ago on a sweltering afternoon, Bakersfield Police Det. Disgraced former Bakersfield Police Department detective Damacio Diaz, one of the real-life heroes of the movie "McFarland USA," was sentenced Monday in U . McFarland USA, released in 2015and starring Kevin Costner, is based on the McFarland High School cross-country team that won the California championship in 1987. 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. Kern County Dist. Now college is very encouraged, but back in the dayI wouldnt say that a fifth of the folks in high school ended up [finishing], especially folks of our color and our culture. They are a faith-filled family. DANNY DIAZ : Yeah, if you drive600 miles out . It does take a village [CHUCKLES] to raise, a child. Damacio Diaz was sitting in his car alongside informant Guillermo Memo Magallanes. After his father left, Leopoldo and his mother decided to pack . She changed her plans following her fathers indictment. I've watched "McFarland" probably more than 200 times. 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. 6:40 p.m. Oct. 25, 2016: A previous version of this article said the district attorneys office reviewed 108 cases involving the detectives. 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? I had never been the top five, and as you know the top five are the ones that score. Damacio Diaz (R) and guest attend the Bakersfield Special Screening of "McFarland, USA" in Bakersfield, CA on Feb. 15th, 2015. With Kevin Costner, Ramiro Rodriguez, Carlos Pratts, Johnny Ortiz. Former detective Patrick Mara was also implicated in the same crime. 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. DANNY DIAZ : We didnt train. "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. White retired in 2002 afterteaching in McFarland schools for 40 years and coaching for 25 years. It was fat. Public corruption takes a heavy toll on our communities, and our office remains committed to prosecuting such conduct.". You pick up any type of bug or any type of leaf, he knows what it is. Damacio Diaz pleaded guilty to bribery, drugtrafficking and tax evasion. Diaz initially became well-known after the release of 2015 Disney movie, McFarland USA, starring Kevin Costner.. Under it you read three words:Tradition, Unity, and Excellence. Director Niki Caro chose to omit Luis Partida, who in the movie is replaced with David Diaz. PE teacher in McFarland, an economically Then the following season, we were ranked number one for the entire season. BAKERSFIELD, Calif. A former Bakersfield Police detective, serving time in prison for his role in a drug ring, has been released. So, that was a real good part of the movie though. Jim White, David Diaz, Damacio Diaz and Danny Diaz for McFarland, USA. Although, David did add that his mom is actually much more strict than she is made to be in the movie. . 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. 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 this is gonna be a family movie, so it is okay. By Laura Donaldson On 2/3/23 at 8:00 AM EST 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. DANNY DIAZ : And we played basketball the entire week. So, with myself, they [CHUCKLES] made me chubby in the movie. FRESNO, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) Former Bakersfield police detective Damacio Diaz was sentenced Monday in federal court to five years in prison. Damacio Diaz, right, shakes hands with Tomas Valles as the team readies for the start of the Southern section championships in the 1987 season. DANNY DIAZ : Running in the race, Mr. White and the rest of the guys were telling me Joses out of it. 'McFarland USA' Hero Arrested For Conspiring With Drug Dealer Go see it with your family! And so, we were just happy that Disney stuck with that first year and were lucky to be in the movie. In Boise, Idaho, 1987, Jim White and his title of coach is signifying his status as a . it's not all true but he's okay with that. The ramifications of the corruption scandal could be large. 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. 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They all spend some time running with the cross country team, as well as with their own kids. He is amazing. Eliu Garza, also a McFarland High runner, is . People Search All of us went to college. Amongst those to feature in this three-part original is law enforcement official turned convicted felon Damacio Diaz so now, if you wish to learn more about him, weve got you covered. The district attorneys office is prepared to retry the cases if necessary, Assistant Dist. McFarland, USA - Wikipedia 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. It gave you character. They spoke often of God and their church, as well as the work they do there. The. Fun fact: Rafael Martinez, who plays David Diaz in the movie, is one of my closest friends even to this day! DAVID DIAZ : Not at all. View Others. His life story had been portrayed in the Disney movie "McFarland, USA". 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. Diazs attorney, David Torres, was clearly relieved by the judges decision. 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. No, the real Coach Jim White actually started coaching cross country at McFarland High School in 1980. 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. Updated: May 11, 2020 / 06:23 PM PDT BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) Disgraced former Bakersfield police detective Damacio Diaz has been released from custody after serving a federal term for stealing drugs during the course of his police work and putting them back on the street. Former BPD officers who resold seized drugs released from federal Coach Jim White Interview & the Diaz Family Looks Back, Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile. They were sooo funny to chat with. However, similar to the film, Jim White had never been a runner himself and used the bike to follow the team during their workouts. Is that how the last race happened? Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Delaney shakes hands with former Bakersfield Police Department detective Damacio Diaz in this file photo from Diaz's Oct. 3 sentencing. In the least, such scenes seem to have been exaggerated by the filmmakers. How did that impact your lives during high school to move on in the future? 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 . They were cross country state champs in 1987, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1999, 2000 and 2001. Coach White called Thomas over. 'Killing County' features former BPD officers David Diaz is behind Victor wearing a white t-shirt and McFarland hat. [CHUCKLES] And about two years ago, Mr. White, you help me pull? I am excited to share with you another great interview from my McFarland, USA press trip. He did submit every kind of narcotics to evidence following each bust. Damacio Diaz, photo courtesy of Mama Latina Tips. The Diaz brothers represent 3 of the 7 runners from the McFarland Cross Country team of 1987. Select this result to view Damacio Diaz's phone number, address, and more. Meet Coach White and the Diaz Brothers Inspirations - Mama Latina Tips Damacio Diaz was a subject of the movie McFarland USA and became a Bakersfield police officer. It taught you discipline. Silvia was 16 and Herlinda was 14. Both are about to begin five-year federal prison sentences for their crimes. White and many other family members and friends were in court to support Diaz. -LCU.edu, Yes. Colin Kaepernick's New Docuseries Looks at Calif. Police Department Damacio Diaz - CA Cross Country results and photos on Athletic.net DAMACIO DIAZ : Us training together, maam? Diaz was a local celebrity at the time. Forty-four of his cases will result in letters. That day I was fifth runner and I felt so much pressure, but you know, lucky we were able to pull it off. potential at the predominantly Latino high Prosecutors are specifically reexamining cases from 2011 to 2014, when the partners were committing crimes. Five years in jail for a law enforcement officer thats still a serious sentence. Here's what we know. 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. "I can't say I was going to jump, but I was thinking about my life and why some people would jump. Diaz would quickly implicate Mara and then suggest others were making money too. We basically told our story, got interviewed for hours and hour and hours, and that was pretty much it. So, Danny youre talking about they made you a little different. Clovis PD investigating woman's death, asking public to avoid area. [LAUGHS] These guys had all the pressure. DAVID DIAZ : Uh, we donttrain. Where are BPD Officers Aaron Stringer and Rick Wimbish Now. Bakersfield Police Narcotics Detective Charged With Bribery, Drug Chance of rain 40%. [CHUCKLES]. 1998 July - Damacio Diaz hired by the Bakersfield Police Department. DANNY DIAZ : east from McFarland, Mr. White here would take us to the hills. A South Valley legend so popular he became the subject of a Disney movie has taken a hard fall. DIAZEugenia Vasquez Diaz loving wife, mother, grandmother passed away on August 1, 2012 at the age of 94. You can read our Kevin Costner Interview about his role as Jim White in the McFarland, USA movie. Bakersfield Man Sentenced to 7 Years in Prison for Conspiring - KTLA But the guys over here were in decent shape still. Yet this fraud used his position for gain and greed. Second, he expressed sympathy regarding the educational quandary in which she finds herself. . The relationship between the brothers and Coach White is endearing. 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.. 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. Diaz, and father and mother Paul and They also plan to seize about $50,000 in cash and a home in an exclusive McFarland neighborhood. Damacio Diaz is one of the subjects of new Hulu documentary Killing County. 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. 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. Damacio Diaz was sitting in his car alongside informant Guillermo "Memo" Magallanes. You have permission to edit this article. Damacio Diaz sentenced | KBAK Timeline of Events - KGET 17 on their time as cross country runners Some of these teams that came after us were way better than us, way better than me as far as the running. Killing County is scheduled to premiere on Hulu on Friday, February 3. Wife of California doctor who drove family off cliff in Tesla doesn't want him prosecuted . McFarland, USA vs. the True Story of Coach Jim White's 1987 Team Get up to speed with our Essential California newsletter, sent six days a week. 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. 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. -LA Times. Its hard to understand how he could do both.. But if it werent for sports our kids would be lost, because its either education and sports or the streets. So , DANNY DIAZ : Mr. White never went back to Stockton never again. I was just running to, to displace other runners and add them more points. 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. Is that still happening in McFarland? Jim White and the Diaz Brothers with our Group for McFarland, USA. Disgraced Bakersfield Police Detective Sentenced To Five Years 1999 - 2000 Starring Kevin Costner, Maria Bello, Carlos Pratts, Hector Duran, Copyright 2023 HistoryvsHollywood.com, CTF Media, No. And, uh, low and behold, Mr. White, during Thanksgiving break, uh, when we have no school, he had an emergency. Its a poor community. His viewpoint of not changing too much from that aspect I see a definite change. 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. It is a day I truly regret and a decision that has changed my entire life.. Danny Diaz | You can't have my job, but I'll tell you a story More than 100 convictions were overturned as a result. of 1 Damacio Diaz, former BPD detective who stole drugs and put - YouTube 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. Danny and Damacio run 3 to 5 miles a day to simply stay in shape. Sunny to partly cloudy. Diaz then began cooperating with federal investigators and named other cops he said were corrupt. Learn how your comment data is processed. In fact, a blink of an eye as you drive down Highway 99 in California and you will miss it. Its grown a little bit in the last two, three years but not much has changed. Carter would then could sell those narcotics for profit. Damacio Diaz said he doesn't recognize the man he was three years ago when he was a detective working for Bakersfield police. Delaney was the prosecutor in the case. So, at that point I was running the sixth man and so I became fifth man and I was, for the first time in my life in the top five. 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. Learn more about the McFarland, USA true story by watching the Jim White interview below. 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. And, wow, those hills are its not rolling hills. "It was damaging. We all feel grateful and the whole communitys just embracing it. Their mom and dad worked hard and pushed the boys even harder to succeed and do well. Davids the oldest and he was a bully. McFarland Residents Shocked by Arrest of Bakersfield Cop Portrayed in What Happened to Damacio Diaz? And so, its just a fun place to be. Former Bakersfield Police Department Detective Pleads Guilty to Bribery The U.S. Attorneys Office had recommended a sentence of between roughly 17 and 22 years, but the judge had discretion. We were raised in the field, it was our life. They talk about being Damacio Diaz, 44, of McFarland, formerly a detective with the Bakersfield Police Department, was sentenced today to five years in prison for bribery . 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. We don't know that anyone was physically injured as a result of it, fortunately. Winds WNW at 10 to 20 mph.. When one of Diazs attorneys used the word indiscretion to describe Diazs misdeeds, ONeill interrupted. Disgraced former BPD detective Damacio Diaz released from federal They talk about being inspired to strive for something beyond picking in the fields. Where is Damacio Diaz Now? 'Killing County' on Hulu Explores His Story We started picking and hoeing and raking and doing everything you could possibly think of. However, it happened a little differently than in the movie. Two years later, we signed with another one, not quite that often, but it took a long process. - 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. His attorney says he should be home for the holidays and then back in court in Fresno in January. DANNY DIAZ : You know, growing up in McFarland we didnt have much. The most police executions. and last updated 2016-10-03 21:34:05-04. Eugenia Diaz Obituary (1918 - 2012) - San Antonio, TX - San Antonio When the informant left, the narcotics detective found just under $1,000 in the passenger-side door pocket. So, for us it was normal. However, it was later revealed that BPD Detectives Damacio Diaz and Patrick Mara were involved in making Ramirez an informant. Coach White took the orders and delivered them. Still, it was rarely the entire quantity as he, his partner Patrick Mara, as well as an associate, reportedly had this combined side hustle. Their actions risked their fellow officers safety for greed.. "Sometimes I helped them work in the fields," says the real Coach Jim White, "but more importantly, I had practice at a different time. 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. Both girls were on this trip to a meet in Santa Maria and the beachs, and these photos are from Silvia's album, which her family had saved. BAKERSFIELD, Calif. A former Bakersfield Police detective, serving time in prison for his role in a drug ring, has been released. But I also understand clearly that while he did not sell his soul, he certainly rented it out.. 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. Diaz did a lot of good things, Delaney said. I have seven kids myself and all of us have a lot of kids. David is represented in the McFarland, USA movie along with two of his brothers, Damacio and Danny. I never had pressure. I feel safe knowing he is in my corner.. They investigated every name that came up, uncovered every rock, and no one elses name came to light in their scandal, the chief said. Diaz pleaded guilty to stealing. Greens office reviewed 87 cases of the detectives involving 123 defendants before deciding to send the letters. View Public Details & Court Records. 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. Disney turned it into a. But, yes, I did that. 2023 Cinemaholic Inc. All rights reserved. Newsweek has everything you need to know about what happened to Bakersfield cop Damacio Diaz and why he is featured on Killing County. [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.. Damacio Diaz Profiles | Facebook My dad gives me a sense of security, she told the court. Would they flee bargain the same way with non-police criminals? He pleaded guilty earlier this year to charges he. Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. Thats a long time in jail for someone who once wore a badge.. Now that he's cooperating with authorities, he has allegedly implicated others in the department, including his former partner . Leopoldo's father abandoned his wife and children. Oh, its more than an indiscretion, he said. And we try to trip him up on that, and hes very smart in that regard. He offers the kids a chance Bakersfield. And sports is what kind of helped us get out of that. Defense attorneys compared the Bakersfield situation to the Los Angeles Police Departments Rampart scandal in the late 1990s, in which corrupt officers tainted cases. Theres nothing to do in McFarland. See Sites with Your Personal Info. To read the article in Spanish, click here, Insider is sentenced to prison in scam that nearly took down L.A.s last black bank, Man accused of threatening to kill people at Islamic center because of hatred for Muslims, Man is charged with attempted murder after break-in at Miranda Kerrs Malibu home. 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. -KGET 17. That is why it was so amazing and cool that I got to interview Jim White, David Diaz, Damacio Diaz, and Danny Diaz. Despite the possible life sentence, a federal judge ruled Diaz can be released. 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. Two corrupt cops joined forces with drug dealers. Now, dozens of The corruption scandal broke in November 2015 when federal agents arrested Bakersfield Police Detective Damacio Diaz for helping traffic methamphetamines. [CHUCKLES] When we were growing up, maybe seven, eight, nine, ten thousand people is the population. 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.