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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. Jim White is to Thomas' right and Gary Adams is to White's right. 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. A full house of over three hundred gave a rousing standing ovation to Jim and his wife, Cheryl. I was just running to, to displace other runners and add them more points. In the least, such scenes seem to have been exaggerated by the filmmakers. He advised her to first trust in God, as the Almighty, he said, is not subject to the weaknesses and failings of humankind. Damacio Diaz was released Friday from a halfway house in. The community of McFarlandis important to them. Damacio stated that they were very proud of the way the movie portrayed their story their family. Danny Diaz was not overweight, but he was the seventh runner on the team. As stated above, the real Jim White started teaching in the McFarland School District straight out of college in 1964. Mara was released from a halfway house in April after serving a little less than four years in federal prison. 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. Probe Into Corrupt Cops in Kern County Deepens | KQED David Diaz is behind Victor wearing a white t-shirt and McFarland hat. Yes. In the movie, you [Coach White] spent a day picking in the fields with the boys. BPD detective Damacio Diaz, portrayed in McFarland USA movie arrested A drug and corruption scandal has rocked the Bakersfield Police Department. . An elderly couple from Las Vegas were found dead earlier this month in Death Valley National Park, law enforcement officials said. In an extraordinary statement, Judge ONeill spoke directly to Diazs daughter, Caroline. 12, The real Jim White and wife Cheryl White actually have three daughters, Tami, Julie and Jami. Winds WNW at 10 to 20 mph.. Juanita Diaz. I can't wait to see this movie! Both are about to begin five-year federal prison sentences for their crimes. Ray was arrested in February 2020 and in April 2022, following a four-week trial, he was convicted on several counts. 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. 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. She argued that her husband has learned from his mistakes and should not face any prison time at all. Sports in high school can make or break a young man. PrepCalTrack.com conducted this Jim White We signed with this one company. Diazs loyalty to Magallanes would be his downfall. 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. Diaz pleaded guilty last spring as part of a plea agreement that became public in May. "I think it goes to show that sometimes the portrayal of images, and good work that has happened in the past, sometimes comes to what we see today and that people aren't always what they seem," said Greg Williamson, Bakersfield police chief. Damacio is related to Elizabeth Z Diaz and Delia G Garza as well as 3 additional people. It was great meeting you on the trip - it was such fun! to know what it feels like to be Disgraced detective whose story was told in 'McFarland USA' gets prison He says that 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. PDF IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT of - KERO No, the real Coach Jim White actually started coaching cross country at McFarland High School in 1980. [CHUCKLES] Same thing happened back in the day when we were kids. 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. Ray referred to Felicia Rosario as his "wife," though they were never married. 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. Diaz, and father and mother Paul and Sorry, there are no recent results for popular videos. Soon Diaz and Mara were getting into other illegal activities, authorities said. Colin Kaepernick releases trailer for new true crime docuseries Newsweek has everything you need to know about what happened to Bakersfield cop Damacio Diaz and why. I still currently run. 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. Many of the citizens of McFarland were extras in the movie. DAVID DIAZ : Uh, we donttrain. Police Corruption Scandal in Bakersfield Could Jeopardize Other . DANNY DIAZ : That is true. Damacio Diaz, 48, is scheduled for release on May 10 while Patrick Mara, 40, is expected to be free on April 20, according to Federal Bureau of Prisons records. With nothing to do in their small town, kidshave two choices: education and sports or the streets. 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. Partly cloudy this evening followed by increasing clouds with showers developing after midnight. Here's what we know. Assistant U.S. Atty Brian Delaney said Magallanes was arrested in a separate case and told officials about Diaz. Let us send you our favorite posts and ideas once a week. Read More: Where are BPD Officers Aaron Stringer and Rick Wimbish Now? And so, we have a great dad. 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 we were running number one all year long. It was fat. On that day, Leopoldo became a man. They were cross country state champs in 1987, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1999, 2000 and 2001. school and decides to put together a cross Known as @lacrimes on Twitter, during almost 30 years at The Times he also has been part of the breaking news staff that won Pulitzers in 1998, 2004 and 2016. 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. Although, the brothers did say that the town hasnt really changed much, Coach White has noticed one big change. There are no shopping malls or large grocery stores. No. We dont have actually any [CHUCKLES] malls. They appeared happy to be with us, and they enjoyed sharing their behind the scenes stories about the . As, as hes retired. Damacio Diaz was sitting in his car alongside informant Guillermo Memo Magallanes. Former detective Patrick Mara was also. "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. Damacio Diaz, former BPD detective who stole drugs and put them back on the street, released from custody Thats because it comprises not only archival footage but also first-hand accounts of individuals closest to the matter to truly uncover this Californian citys merciless, violence-driven justice system. 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.. The McFarland, USA true story supports that McFarland High School won nine CIF California State Championships in cross country (including five in a row) and held a streak of attending the state championship meet 24 years in a row. 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. Diaz was not remanded into custody. 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 . Jim White, David Diaz, Damacio Diaz and Danny Diaz for McFarland, USA. Low 44F. The. DAMACIO DIAZ, by and through his counsel, DAVID A. TORRES, hereby submits Damacio Diaz' Statement in Mitigation for the court's consideration. He did a lot of things for us that our dad couldnt, becauseit financially just wasnt available. 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. Damacio Diaz pleaded guilty to bribery, drugtrafficking and tax evasion. Chance of rain 40%. Officer Damacio Diaz - Ugly Judge "It was damaging. "He told me to take my wife out on a date or buy my kids something," Diaz would later. Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way. Damacio Diaz - CA Cross Country results and photos on Athletic.net It taught you how to accept losing or winning. And Johnny was with him. DANNY DIAZ : Running in the race, Mr. White and the rest of the guys were telling me Joses out of it. The hearing included impassioned appeals by Diazs brother, wife and daughter, with the two latter witnesses in tears through much of their statements. Public corruption takes a heavy toll on our communities, and our office remains committed to prosecuting such conduct.". According to the National Park Service, citing law enforcement officials, the husband and wife were discovered on Jan. 13. Mara was released from a halfway house a month before Diaz, in April 2020, after serving just under four years in federal prison. He also was indicted on charges of disclosing wiretap information to a criminal partner, interfering with a criminal investigation, and other felonies, but those charges were dismissed in the plea agreement. 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. Silvia died on October 27, Herlinda on October 28. They became the drug traffickers themselves, he said. 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. Wife of California doctor who drove family off cliff in Tesla doesn't want him prosecuted . No foul language or nudity - just fresh air. Patrick Mara, center, speaks while flanked by attorney Fred Gagliardini. What about the children? But in reality the script that was written, we prayed that it would never happen. Gabriel Diaz, Damacio Diaz, David Diaz, Diego Diaz, and father and mother Paul and Juanita Diaz. Danny Diaz | You can't have my job, but I'll tell you a story 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. Leopoldo's father abandoned his wife and children. FRESNO, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) Former Bakersfield police detective Damacio Diaz was sentenced Monday in federal court to five years in prison. Damacio Diaz, 44, was sentenced Monday for bribery, possession and attempted possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and making and subscribing a false income tax return,. And he told me I want them to get their education, so I will go back and get my education. A South Valley legend so popular he became the subject of a Disney movie has taken a hard fall. Diaz this summer pleaded guilty to bribery, drug trafficking and tax evasion, and Mara admitted to selling methamphetamine. on their time as cross country runners We have also done internal investigations on many allegations that were made and once again they have been unable to uncover anything. His attorney says he should be home for the holidays and then back in court in Fresno in January. Welcome to Killing County. So, for us it was normal. I cannot thank all of the people involved enough for bringing this story to us. So, that was a real good part of the movie though. However, he had been a teacher in the McFarland School District since 1964, following his graduation from Pepperdine University. The three Diaz brothers featured in the new Disney movie, David, Damacio and Danny, all speak highly of both of their parents. DAMACIO DIAZ : He was our seventh man actually. Since we have a newborn we weren't able to see the pre-screening in theaters but I hope to see it as soon as it comes out on DVD. A previous version of this article said the district attorneys office reviewed 108 cases involving the detectives. David is represented in the McFarland, USA movie along with two of his brothers, Damacio and Danny. it's not all true but he's okay with that. His performance at the 1987 state meet did help McFarland lock up the title. White and many other family members and friends were in court to support Diaz. [CHUCKLES] When we were growing up, maybe seven, eight, nine, ten thousand people is the population. Greens office reviewed 87 cases of the detectives involving 123 defendants before deciding to send the letters. He would beat us up all the time. [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.. The former police officer was subsequently sentenced to five years in federal prison, just to be released days early from a halfway house in Sacramento, California, on May 8, 2020. I even performed the wedding service for Damacio Diaz . No. You can read our Kevin Costner Interview about his role as Jim White in the McFarland, USA movie. A true crime thriller we made set in Kevin McCarthys district. They spoke often of God and their church, as well as the work they do there. You know we are a God-fearing folks, so we were teaching in Sunday school on Sundays. In 2018, another man, Noel Carter, from Bakersfield, pleaded guilty to conspiring with Diaz and Mara to distribute drugs, according to federal prosecutors. it all made sense. Damacio Diaz is one of the subjects of new Hulu documentary Killing County. And so, we were just happy that Disney stuck with that first year and were lucky to be in the movie. Plus, David still runs competitively and coaches. We dont have the big malls. 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 . 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. 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. I understand he did a lot of good before this criminal activity. 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. PE teacher in McFarland, an economically Plus I love Kevin Costner! CA. 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). 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. 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. You pick up any type of bug or any type of leaf, he knows what it is. 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. Damacio Diaz sentenced | KBAK Five years is much better than 17, from their point of view, and while prison time will be an ordeal for the one-time cop, everyone knew they had won something at least resembling a victory. -KGET 17, Yes. They work in the school system and believe in. Its grapes and its oranges and its almonds and its cotton and stuff in our area, but those werent available. Write by: McFarland, USA vs. the True Story of Coach Jim White's 1987 Team Source: YouTube/KGET Article continues below advertisement All opinions expressed are my own. Is that still happening in McFarland? And difficult to say what opportunities were missed or how much damage was done," said Benjamin Wagner, US Attorney. That is definitely true. 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. Bakersfield, California, Police Narcotics Detective Charged with How often do you guys still train together with the new students? SPONSORED LINKS Damacio Diaz Photos and Premium High Res Pictures - Getty Images "Sometimes I helped them work in the fields," says the real Coach Jim White, "but more importantly, I had practice at a different time. When one of Diazs attorneys used the word indiscretion to describe Diazs misdeeds, ONeill interrupted. But thats okay. My dad has 13 brothers and sisters. Wife of public defender who died at Mexico resort speaks out. Disgraced former Bakersfield Police Department detective Damacio Diaz, one of the real-life heroes of the movie "McFarland USA," was sentenced Monday in U . 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. children ran for Jim White and all seven Defendants could seek motions for a new trial or to withdraw pleas in some cases. And, wow, those hills are its not rolling hills. In our case, you know, theres seven and my dad worked a lot of hours. 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 . 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. 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? School. Plus I am a big Kevin Costner fan, I dont think I have ever not liked one of his movies. Honestly, as we sat and talked with the Diaz brothers 3things were very apparent. You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times. Jim White is the main character of the sports drama film McFarland, USA. [LAUGHS] We didnt do cabbage. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. [CHUCKLES] And, and we didnt train and we got fifth that year. Despite the possible life sentence, a federal judge ruled Diaz can be released. When I found out that it was Christian driven (truth !) Girl, 13, Went Missing Last Week, and Suspect Is Arrested on . BAKERSFIELD, Calif. A former Bakersfield Police detective, serving time in prison for his role in a drug ring, has been released. What happened to Damacio Diaz? Bakersfield cop seen in 'Killing County' They have also lived in Mc Farland, CA and Delano, CA. So, thatwas good. Both had their sentences reduced. Atty. Its hard to understand how he could do both.. A sentence of five years is less than what we expected, but its still a strong sentence, he said outside the courtroom after the hearing. Like in the movie, Thomas Valles went to an overpass above Highway 99 one night after his parents got into a horrible fight. In 2016 Diaz was sentenced for crimes including federal. Do you feel like the movie does a good job of describing that culture (of family and pickers)? And so, I cant keep up with my kids in high school [CHUCKLES], but I go with my little seven-year-old. He went back and got it. 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. We were racing big races and trying to accomplish big things, so we looked at Mr. White as our dad. Director Niki Caro chose to omit Luis Partida, who in the movie is replaced with David Diaz. 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. Bakersfield Police Corruption Scandal Could Have Wide Impact Julie and Jami are depicted in the McFarland, USA movie. 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. . Youre driving on 99, the freeway, and you blink and youll miss it. -LA Times. This this file photo, former Bakersfield Police Department Detective Damacio Diaz and his wife, Courtney, and other family members and friends leave the U.S. District Court in Fresno after he was sentenced to five years in federal prison. victor puentes mcfarland Jim White and the Diaz Brothers with our Group for McFarland, USA. and last updated 2016-10-03 21:34:05-04. 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.