potential at the predominantly Latino high The story of McFarland started with a cross-country in the '80s. Members of McFarland's Diaz family reflect Where Is Damacio Diaz Now? 'Killing County' Catches up With Him Welcome to Killing County. 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.. Talbert said that we concluded no officers were complicit in joining Diaz and Mara, and that no further prosecutions were planned at this time. They appeared happy to be with us, and they enjoyed sharing their behind the scenes stories about the . It is a day I truly regret and a decision that has changed my entire life.. and last updated 2016-10-03 21:34:05-04. Like in the movie, Thomas Valles went to an overpass above Highway 99 one night after his parents got into a horrible fight. But, yes, I did that. Bakersfield, California, Police Narcotics Detective Charged with He advised her to first trust in God, as the Almighty, he said, is not subject to the weaknesses and failings of humankind. went on to college. Twitter. It gave you character. Defense attorneys compared the Bakersfield situation to the Los Angeles Police Departments Rampart scandal in the late 1990s, in which corrupt officers tainted cases. ", Colin Kaepernick pictured at the NBA game between the Toronto Raptors and the Boston Celtics at Scotiabank Arena on December 5, 2022 in Toronto, Canada. BAKERSFIELD, Calif. Noel Carter, 45, of Bakersfield, was sentenced today for conspiring with Bakersfield police officers Damacio Diaz and Patrick Mara to distribute methamphetamine and marijuana that Diaz and Mara seized in the course of their duties as police officers, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced. Its hard to understand how he could do both.. [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. When the informant left, the narcotics detective found just under $1,000 in the passenger-side door pocket. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. More than 100 convictions were overturned as a result. Inspired by the irony of his last name, "Blanco" was one of the nicknames that the kids and their families gave Jim White. Bakersfield Police Corruption Scandal Could Have Wide Impact He gave them information to clean up the department, said his lawyer, David Torres, in an interview. He literally would buy us shoes, feed us, counsel us, console us when we lost, that kinda stuff. I was just running to, to displace other runners and add them more points. However, it was later revealed that BPD Detectives Damacio Diaz and Patrick Mara were involved in making Ramirez an informant. BPD detective arrested for drug trafficking If one or two of those boys couldn't make practice at four o'clock 'cause they're just gettin' in from work, then I might practice at 6 or 7 o'clock with those boys. White retired in 2002 afterteaching in McFarland schools for 40 years and coaching for 25 years. [CHUCKLES] When we were growing up, maybe seven, eight, nine, ten thousand people is the population. 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. A lot of us competed in college. Colin Kaepernick's New Docuseries Looks at Calif. Police Department 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. According to court documents, while employed as a police officer with the Bakersfield Police Department (BPD), Diaz handled a criminal informant, for nearly three years between April 2012 and February 2015, who was involved in the large-scale sale and distribution of the drug methamphetamine. 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. Diaz this summer pleaded guilty to bribery, drug trafficking and tax evasion, and Mara admitted to selling methamphetamine. And we I took them to the fields because I was looking for workers to try to get us some income so we can go to Oregon and we can go to San Jose and we can put shoes on their feet. They investigated every name that came up, uncovered every rock, and no one elses name came to light in their scandal, the chief said. 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. He is portrayed by Kevin Costner. 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. Now we are a runner running through the field, a figure silhouette of a runner. Forty-four of his cases will result in letters. BPD detective Damacio Diaz, portrayed in McFarland USA movie arrested They are amazing guys who still have that humble hardworking attitude! Raul was also a runner on the team when his sister was killed. 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 . "He told me to take my wife out on a date or buy my kids something," Diaz would later. Damacio Diaz sentenced | KBAK Sorry, there are no recent results for popular videos. I still race competitively even though youre not as good as you once were. 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. As you pull into McFarland, you will know notice a silhouette of a runner running through an open field. "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. Sunny to partly cloudy. All seven Diaz children ran for Jim White and all seven went on to . After the interview we were able to get a picture with them. We run once in a whileamongst, DAVID DIAZ : ourselves. We dont have the big malls. 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. A full house of over three hundred gave a rousing standing ovation to Jim and his wife, Cheryl. He pleaded guilty earlier this year to charges he. Where are BPD Officers Aaron Stringer and Rick Wimbish Now. Select this result to view Damacio Diaz's phone number, address, and more. [LAUGHS], Kevin Costner and Carlos Pratts in McFarland, USA. After his father left, Leopoldo and his mother decided to pack . DANNY DIAZ : Absolutely. No foul language or nudity - just fresh air. "McFarland's Family of Champions," are Now, local prosecutors say the scandal jeopardizes other criminal cases. During the investigation, five other officers were placed on administrative leave related to the investigation and one recently resigned. Acting U.S. Atty. We love our dad. Disgraced cop's 5-year sentence a fraction of prosection's recommendation, Corrupt cops compel Kern DA to inform defense attorneys about 'tainted' cases. I am excited to share with you another great interview from my McFarland, USA press trip. 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. 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. The detective tipped him off about a Drug Enforcement Administration wiretap that captured him chatting, advising him to lay low, according to documents. experience coaching the team. It was really an honor. 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. Calif. Write by: 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. DAMACIO DIAZ : Mr. White might have more than us. It was fat. Diaz said that his time as a narcotics detective drove him to a life of drinking and that Magallanes, a drug dealer and a prominent member of the Mexican Mafia, became more friend than informant. Eugenia Diaz Obituary (1918 - 2012) - San Antonio, TX - San Antonio Not the right Damacio Diaz? 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. Diaz will be sentenced for three federal counts on October 3rd. This included members of the Bakersfield High Drillers. -Congressional Record, V. 146, Pt. JIM WHITE : Let me add a little bit of that. 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). Public corruption takes a heavy toll on our communities, and our office remains committed to prosecuting such conduct.". DAVID DIAZ : Not at all. 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. What happened to Damacio Diaz? Bakersfield cop seen in 'Killing County' DAMACIO DIAZ, by and through his counsel, DAVID A. TORRES, hereby submits Damacio Diaz' Statement in Mitigation for the court's consideration. Former Bakersfield Police Department Detective Sentenced to 5 Years in . DANNY DIAZ : Running in the race, Mr. White and the rest of the guys were telling me Joses out of it. So the only way I could get some of them into some of the fields that I had to do the work with them. 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. 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. We don't know that anyone was physically injured as a result of it, fortunately. Richard Winton is an investigative crime writer for the Los Angeles Times and part of the team that won the Pulitzer Prize for public service in 2011. Also, take a closer look at the Diaz family, who had seven children run for McFarland. it's not all true but he's okay with that. They threw it out. on their time as cross country runners The ramifications of the corruption scandal could be large. You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times. Everyone there is excited about the movie and thenotoriety they have been receiving from it. His viewpoint of not changing too much from that aspect I see a definite change. Jim White moves his family after losing his last job as a football coach, and at his new school he turns seven disappointing students into one of the best cross-country teams in the region. That is definitely true. MCFARLAND USA: An Interview with Legendary Coach Jim White There are no shopping malls or large grocery stores. He was a fifth grade teacher and before he was a P.E. His attorney says he should be home for the holidays and then back in court in Fresno in January. Danny Diaz, daughter Delia Diaz, Gabriel Despite the possible life sentence, a federal judge ruled Diaz can be released. Some of these teams that came after us were way better than us, way better than me as far as the running. Diaz, a former Bakersfield police detective, is interviewed on camera in Killing County. [Asking Danny referring to the last race of the first year]. Patrick Mara, center, speaks while flanked by attorney Fred Gagliardini. We run three, four, five miles a day just to stay in shape. 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. var _ndnq = _ndnq || []; _ndnq.push([embed]); Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Map: Track this weekends rain in the Bay Area, McFarland USA runner gets prison for corruption as police detective. Diaz was a member of the team that won the state championship. Colin Kaepernick's new three-part true crime docuseries, which premieres on Hulu Friday, Feb. 3, tells the story of alleged corruption and cover-up that happened at a police department in a . Delaney was the prosecutor in the case. They couldve chosen any other team, because we have nine state titles. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. As, as hes retired. Fun fact: Rafael Martinez, who plays David Diaz in the movie, is one of my closest friends even to this day! Coach Jim White Interview & the Diaz Family Looks Back, Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile. 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. Diaz was not remanded into custody. But he encouraged us to play sports. 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. He did submit every kind of narcotics to evidence following each bust. But I also understand clearly that while he did not sell his soul, he certainly rented it out.. I still currently run. That decision also rocked the Kern County criminal justice system, marking the beginning of an ugly police corruption scandal involving cash, drugs and protection. Killing County is scheduled to premiere on Hulu on Friday, February 3. "Sometimes I helped them work in the fields," says the real Coach Jim White, "but more importantly, I had practice at a different time. . On that day, Leopoldo became a man. DANNY DIAZ : We, we love basketball. . Local photojournalist John Harte, who followed the team at the time, says that he witnessed opposing teams offer genuine handshakes of good luck. 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. [CHUCKLES] And, and we didnt train and we got fifth that year. 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. By Laura Donaldson On 2/3/23 at 8:00 AM EST -John Harte, Yes, and at times the White family paid for new shoes and clothing for the team out of their own pockets. Diaz, Damacio Diaz, David Diaz, Diego It was indeed the first time that many of the kids ever saw the ocean. Bakersfield Man Sentenced to 7 Years in Prison for Conspiring - KTLA Two misdemeanor prostitution cases in which Diaz as an undercover detective was the only witness have already been dismissed. We shouldve had first. It was such a great experience. Yeah, yeah, yeah. September 22, 2016, 12:07 PM. DANNY DIAZ : You know, growing up in McFarland we didnt have much. FRESNO, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) Former Bakersfield police detective Damacio Diaz was sentenced Monday in federal court to five years in prison. 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.". And so, its just a fun place to be. Diaz, and father and mother Paul and Learn more about the McFarland, USA true story by watching the Jim White interview below. She argued that her husband has learned from his mistakes and should not face any prison time at all. He must report to federal authorities before 2 p.m. Dec. 5 to begin serving his sentence. A look at the real "McFarland USA" kids and coach Jim White Chance of rain 40%. Damacio Diaz, portrayed in McFarland USA movie, Bakersfield PD officer But the guys over here were in decent shape still. DAMACIO DIAZ : Our kids all compete. Interview with Big Hero 6 Directors Don Hall and Chris Williams, Behind the scenes of Big Hero 6 Bonus Content with FEAST Director Patrick Osborne. I wanna know is your mom really that way, because she was a scene stealer? Is that still happening in McFarland? 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 . Timeline of Events - KGET 17 Plus I am a big Kevin Costner fan, I dont think I have ever not liked one of his movies. In May 2020, Diaz was released from a halfway house in Sacramento, where he was staying after serving his 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). Disgraced cop's 5-year sentence a fraction of prosection's DAMACIO DIAZ : Go ahead and call it. McFarland, USA - Wikipedia 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. In 2018, another man, Noel Carter, from Bakersfield, pleaded guilty to conspiring with Diaz and Mara to distribute drugs, according to federal prosecutors. Their mom and dad worked hard and pushed the boys even harder to succeed and do well. 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. Although, the brothers did say that the town hasnt really changed much, Coach White has noticed one big change. An elderly couple from Las Vegas were found dead earlier this month in Death Valley National Park, law enforcement officials said. Former BPD officers who resold seized drugs released from federal And we were part of the Royal Rangers andwe did that on Tuesday nights at our local church. Interview with Jim White and the Diaz Brothers for McFarland, USA Eguenia was best described by many that 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.