Were all a year apart. Former Bakersfield Police Department Detective Pleads Guilty to Bribery But federal agents arrested him at work today. The Feds arrested him at the. Disgraced detective whose story was told in 'McFarland USA' gets prison My parents definitely pushed us to go that route and not thewide road most people go to is other than college. These guys are amazing and it was a pleasure meeting them and listening to them. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Mr. Diaz, their dad Paul, he pushed education real hard, too. 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. Along with fellow BPD Detective Patrick Mara, 40, the two were sentenced to five years in federal prison. The hearing included impassioned appeals by Diazs brother, wife and daughter, with the two latter witnesses in tears through much of their statements. That the judge would even mention such a possibility underscored the unusual nature of the hearing. Raul was also a runner on the team when his sister was killed. They talk about being inspired to strive for something beyond picking in the fields. Their stories were told in a beautiful way and they are excited Disney picked their tale to tell. PDF IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT of - KERO Former BPD officers who resold seized drugs released from federal Disgraced cop of 'McFarland USA' fame gets five years in prison A drug and corruption scandal has rocked the Bakersfield Police Department. They pocketed 4 pounds and turned in just a pound as evidence, officials said. 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. Mara was released from a halfway house in April after serving a little less than four years in federal prison. Diaz was not remanded into custody. [LAUGHS]. Although, the brothers did say that the town hasnt really changed much, Coach White has noticed one big change. Public corruption takes a heavy toll on our communities, and our office remains committed to prosecuting such conduct.". September 22, 2016, 12:07 PM. When I found out that it was Christian driven (truth !) Ray referred to Felicia Rosario as his "wife," though they were never married. Yes. Coach Jim White Interview & the Diaz Family Looks Back, Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile. Learn more about the McFarland, USA true story by watching the Jim White interview below. Second, he expressed sympathy regarding the educational quandary in which she finds herself. Damacio Diaz Profiles | Facebook As stated above, the real Jim White started teaching in the McFarland School District straight out of college in 1964. Carter was also ordered to pay $70,513 in restitution to his former employerwho he admitted to embezzling money fromand to forfeit $286,251 in proceeds from drug trafficking, according to federal prosecutors. . Copyright 2017 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. "It was damaging. 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. Danny Diaz, daughter Delia Diaz, Gabriel Disgraced cop's 5-year sentence a fraction of prosection's recommendation, Corrupt cops compel Kern DA to inform defense attorneys about 'tainted' cases. White retired in 2002 afterteaching in McFarland schools for 40 years and coaching for 25 years. Now we are a runner running through the field, a figure silhouette of a runner. This hearing is not about telling someone they are no good, ONeill said. McFarland, USA (2015) - IMDb Plus, David still runs competitively and coaches. Select this result to view Damacio Diaz's phone number, address, and more. 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. 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. Kevin Costner (Coach Jim White) and Diana Maria Riva (Seora Diaz) in McFarland, USA. So, for us it was normal. Posted on Published: February 18, 2015- Last updated: August 7, 2022. Killing County is scheduled to premiere on Hulu on Friday, February 3. 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, former BPD detective who stole drugs and put - KGET 17 Diaz then began cooperating with federal investigators and named other cops he said were corrupt. 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. Then to keep him on the narrow road or that straight road is tough. Our father never could ever go watch us race. They were cross country state champs in 1987, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1999, 2000 and 2001. And thatsthe one we have now. All seven Diaz Yet this fraud used his position for gain and greed. Would they flee bargain the same way with non-police criminals? Likely not. These were the guys running in the California heat and winning state titles. it's not all true but he's okay with that. So I'd have two practices." Where Is Damacio Diaz Now? 'Killing County' Catches up With Him 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). For my son, it pushed him to go to college and do well while he was in high school. We love our dad. 2023 Cinemaholic Inc. All rights reserved. And so, its just a fun place to be. We run three, four, five miles a day just to stay in shape. Disgraced former Bakersfield Police Department detective Damacio Diaz, one of the real-life heroes of the movie "McFarland USA," was sentenced Monday in U . What Happened to Damacio Diaz? Bakersfield Cop Seen in 'Killing County' They all spend some time running with the cross country team, as well as with their own kids. We [LAUGHS], we played basket. The. 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The love they genuinely have for him was heartfelt and true. 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? 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. Damacio Diaz, former BPD detective who stole drugs and put - YouTube "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. May God BLESS you all richly. Newsweek has everything you need to know about what happened to Bakersfield cop Damacio Diaz and why he is featured on Killing County. Diaz was a member of the team that won the state championship. I cannot thank all of the people involved enough for bringing this story to us. 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. My dad has 13 brothers and sisters. DAVID DIAZ : And just to let you know, um, Gods good and we own almonds now. . The Feds arrested him at the department Friday morning and removed evidence. 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 student thus enrolled at California State University-Fresno while changing his major to Criminology as well as Military Science (1992-1996) before deciding to acquire training on the job. Diaz did a lot of good things, Delaney said. 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. to know what it feels like to be Juanita Diaz. February 3, 2023, 11:49 PM Part of the docu-series focuses on former Bakersfield Police Officers Damacio Diaz and Patrick Mara. We signed with this one company. Damacio Diaz was released Friday from a halfway house in. Chance of rain 40%. Central Valley. 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 . 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. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Diaz, Damacio Diaz, David Diaz, Diego The highest homicide rate The most crime. [CHUCKLES] Same thing happened back in the day when we were kids. We don't know that anyone was physically injured as a result of it, fortunately. I am excited to share with you another great interview from my McFarland, USA press trip. potential at the predominantly Latino high Damacio stated that they were very proud of the way the movie portrayed their story their family. [LAUGHS] Theymade me, uh . Bakersfield Police Narcotics Detective Charged With Bribery, Drug Like in the movie, Thomas Valles went to an overpass above Highway 99 one night after his parents got into a horrible fight. Leopoldo's father abandoned his wife and children. When one of Diazs attorneys used the word indiscretion to describe Diazs misdeeds, ONeill interrupted. If they took statements, seized evidence or wrote reports, we will be sending letters to defense attorneys or defendants that represented themselves, she said. Delaney was the prosecutor in the case. [LAUGHS] These guys had all the pressure. 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. Magallanes then told another drug dealer to dump his phone. Although, David did add that his mom is actually much more strict than she is made to be in the movie. Speaking of running, we asked the Diaz brothers if they still run. DANNY DIAZ : And we played basketball the entire week. According to the California Department of Justice, Diaz and Mara conspired with another man, Noel Carter, 46. Damacio Diaz, 44, of McFarland, formerly a detective with the Bakersfield Police Department, was sentenced today to five years in prison for bribery . When actually Disney did it we were thrilled very much so that Disney had it, because then we knew that it shouldnt have any sex and cussing and cigarettes and this type of thing, you know. 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. 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. In an extraordinary statement, Judge ONeill spoke directly to Diazs daughter, Caroline. Also, take a closer look at the Diaz family, who had seven children run for McFarland. He retired in 2003 after 23 years of coaching boys cross country. inspired to strive for something beyond Diazs loyalty to Magallanes would be his downfall. We run once in a whileamongst, DAVID DIAZ : ourselves. DANNY DIAZ : You know, growing up in McFarland we didnt have much. Damacio Diaz - CA Cross Country Bio - Athletic.net I can't wait to see this movie! So Im always looking out for their kids. 6:40 p.m. Oct. 25, 2016: A previous version of this article said the district attorneys office reviewed 108 cases involving the detectives. FEMALE : How McFarland had changed, um, now that the movies gone? teacher. 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. 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. 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 I also understand clearly that while he did not sell his soul, he certainly rented it out.. The Real Life Inspirations Jim White, David Diaz, Damacio Diaz & Danny 12, The real Jim White and wife Cheryl White actually have three daughters, Tami, Julie and Jami. DAMACIO DIAZ : He was our seventh man actually. JIM WHITE : Let me add a little bit of that. And so, we have a great dad. 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. Thats why we had the sixth and seventh runner on a team. 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. But even prosecutor Brian Delaney of the U.S. Attorneys Office seemed satisfied with Diazs ultimate sentence, a dozen years fewer than the minimum he had recommended. In May 2020, Diaz was released from a halfway house in Sacramento, where he was staying after serving his time. We would like your email. 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. Join half a million readers enjoying Newsweek's free newsletters, (L-R) David Diaz, Danny Diaz and Damacio Diaz attend the premiere of Disney's "McFarland, USA" at the El Capitan Theatre on February 9, 2015 in Hollywood, California. It was such a great experience. So, my dad worked ten, twelve, thirteen, fourteen hours a day sometimes and both of them [his parents] come from large families. Join Facebook to connect with Damacio Diaz and others you may know. "I was standing there. [CHUCKLES] When we were growing up, maybe seven, eight, nine, ten thousand people is the population. Damacio Diaz, 43, was arrested on November 20, 2015 and 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. [LAUGHS]. February 27, 2023 new bill passed in nj for inmates 2022 No Comments . Twitter. What Happened to Isabella Pollok? Everything About Larry Ray's 'Lieutenant' 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. Please log in, or sign up for a new account to continue reading. The three Diaz brothers featured in the new Disney movie, David, Damacio and Danny, all speak highly of both of their parents. DANNY DIAZ : We, we love basketball. pic.twitter.com/qKxl7i5dfn. 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 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. DAMACIO DIAZ : They said youre fat. Mara, a 13-year veteran, had 55 cases involving 70 defendants. 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. In fact, a blink of an eye as you drive down Highway 99 in California and you will miss it. He got into the truck and began to talk with Coach White about his difficulties at home. It was really an honor. 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 lot of us competed in college. Assistant U.S. Atty Brian Delaney said Magallanes was arrested in a separate case and told officials about Diaz. 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. Diaz initially became well-known after the release of 2015 Disney movie, McFarland USA, starring Kevin Costner. We have also done internal investigations on many allegations that were made and once again they have been unable to uncover anything. I have seven kids myself and all of us have a lot of kids. director of photography Film Editing by David Coulson Casting By Sheila Jaffe Production Design by Richard Hoover