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 and his partner, Patrick Mara, later admitted to ripping off drug dealers of their methamphetamine during traffic stops. I am excited to share with you another great interview from my McFarland, USA press trip. So, my dad worked ten, twelve, thirteen, fourteen hours a day sometimes and both of them [his parents] come from large families. 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. A look at the real "McFarland USA" kids and coach Jim White It was at the Bakersfield Police Department that Damacio was able to rise the ranks in the way hed always desired going from patrol operations to serving at several high-profile units. Hi everyone! potential at the predominantly Latino high Former NFL player Colin Kaepernick is an executive producer on new Hulu documentary "Killing County," which explores the story of Damacio Diaz. Damacio G Diaz, 50 - Bakersfield, CA - Has Court or Arrest Records All the notoriety that theyre getting and what this man over here, Mr. White, our coach, has brought to not just our program but to our community. They have also lived in Mc Farland, CA and Delano, CA. Damacio Diaz features in new Hulu documentary "Killing County. Inspired by the irony of his last name, "Blanco" was one of the nicknames that the kids and their families gave Jim White. During the investigation, five other officers were placed on administrative leave related to the investigation and one recently resigned. 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. Low 44F. We were about seven or eight years old when all that began. What Happened to Damacio Diaz? 1998 July - Damacio Diaz hired by the Bakersfield Police Department. But in reality the script that was written, we prayed that it would never happen. She is preceded in death by her husband Damacio Diaz. He says that 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. Defendant reserves the . 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. Disgraced cop's 5-year sentence a fraction of prosection's recommendation, Corrupt cops compel Kern DA to inform defense attorneys about 'tainted' cases. David is represented in the McFarland, USA movie along with two of his brothers, Damacio and Danny. Keep an eye on your inbox for updates. JIM WHITE : Let, let me add one thing to that. CA. Second, he expressed sympathy regarding the educational quandary in which she finds herself. Ray was arrested in February 2020 and in April 2022, following a four-week trial, he was convicted on several counts. Former detective Patrick Mara was also implicated in the same crime. In an extraordinary statement, Judge ONeill spoke directly to Diazs daughter, Caroline. 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. Two years later, we signed with another one, not quite that often, but it took a long process. Former detective Patrick Mara was also implicated in the same crime. Damacio stated that they were very proud of the way the movie portrayed their story their family. That decision also rocked the Kern County criminal justice system, marking the beginning of an ugly police corruption scandal involving cash, drugs and protection. it was in various stages, because this was about a 15-year process for us, my wife and I . What about the children? 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. inspired to strive for something beyond We are no longer theHeartbeat of Agriculture. 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. Wife of public defender who died at Mexico resort speaks out. JIM WHITE : Ive done it quite often. We were raised in the field, it was our life. I understand he did a lot of good before this criminal activity. Damacio Diaz was sitting in his car alongside informant Guillermo Memo Magallanes. Disgraced cop of 'McFarland USA' fame gets five years in prison It reviewed 87 cases. Plus I love Kevin Costner! Yes. The real Jim White and wife Cheryl White actually have three daughters, Tami, Julie and Jami. Diaz pleaded guilty last spring as part of a plea agreement that became public in May. 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. And, wow, those hills are its not rolling hills. We dont have actually any [CHUCKLES] malls. He will then be subject to three years of supervised release. 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. [LAUGHS]. 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. And theres not much to do there. Likely not. When I found out that it was Christian driven (truth !) McFarland, USA (2015) - IMDb After the interview we were able to get a picture with them. This behavior became common, prosecutors said. Kern County Dist. Although, David did add that his mom is actually much more strict than she is made to be in the movie. Scott Spielman said. So Im always looking out for their kids. Source: YouTube/KGET Article continues below advertisement DAVID DIAZ : So, just to go back and let you know how my mother was depicted in previous scripts [LAUGHS] was probably a more accurate [CHUCKLES] version. Information from: The Bakersfield Californian, http://www.bakersfield.com. But federal agents arrested him at work today. If I could beat their third, fourth, fifth man, sixth man whatever, I would add more points to them. But even worse, they say he tipped off the drug dealer when police might be coming his way, even giving the guy information from a secret wiretap. It was such a great experience. So the only way I could get some of them into some of the fields that I had to do the work with them. Those suckers are, are steep. Read More: Where are BPD Officers Aaron Stringer and Rick Wimbish Now? I feel safe knowing he is in my corner.. Damacio Diaz (R) and guest attend the Bakersfield Special Screening of "McFarland, USA" in Bakersfield, CA on Feb. 15th, 2015. SPONSORED LINKS pic.twitter.com/qKxl7i5dfn. Also, take a closer look at the Diaz family, who had seven children run for McFarland. Police Corruption Scandal in Bakersfield Could Jeopardize Other Under the circumstances, theres absolutely no issue of dual justice here, he said. DANNY DIAZ : east from McFarland, Mr. White here would take us to the hills. of 1 Damacio Diaz sentenced | KBAK Some, like David Diaz, became teachers themselves. Wife of California doctor who drove family off cliff in Tesla doesn't want him prosecuted . [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.. Learn more about the McFarland, USA true story by watching the Jim White interview below. The love they genuinely have for him was heartfelt and true. The Feds arrested him at the department Friday morning and removed evidence. 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. These were the guys running in the California heat and winning state titles. 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. Still, Williamson said, the corrupt detectives had eroded trust with the community. Yet this fraud used his position for gain and greed. The former narcotics officer is now known, however, for going to prison in 2016 for charges tied to drugs, bribery and tax fraud. Thats why we had the sixth and seventh runner on a team. High 61F. "McFarland's Family of Champions," are ONeill instructed Delaney to directly telephone the warden of the prison assigned to receive Diaz in order to help ensure the safety of the former cop who will soon find himself behind bars. But he encouraged us to play sports. The district attorneys office is prepared to retry the cases if necessary, Assistant Dist. I've watched "McFarland" probably more than 200 times. Five years in jail for a law enforcement officer thats still a serious sentence. 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. Yes. Colin Kaepernick's New Docuseries Looks at Calif. Police Department Diaz, and father and mother Paul and 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 . DANNY DIAZ : Absolutely. Damacio Diaz, portrayed in McFarland USA movie, Bakersfield PD officer 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. Plus, David still runs competitively and coaches. BPD detective arrested for drug trafficking DAVID DIAZ : So, it helps you running wise and mentally wise, as well, because you have to endure that steepness, if you will. 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. The Diaz brothers represent 3 of the 7 runners from the McFarland Cross Country team of 1987. They threw it out. You have permission to edit this article. But I also understand clearly that while he did not sell his soul, he certainly rented it out.. In fact, a blink of an eye as you drive down Highway 99 in California and you will miss it. 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). Two misdemeanor prostitution cases in which Diaz as an undercover detective was the only witness have already been dismissed. McFarland High School is actually just down the road from the Central Valley Correctional Facility, not across the street. Danny Diaz was not overweight, but he was the seventh runner on the team. 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. went on to college. 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. Probe Into Corrupt Cops in Kern County Deepens | KQED 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. Carter would then could sell those narcotics for profit. A drug and corruption scandal has rocked the Bakersfield Police Department. experience coaching the team. PE teacher in McFarland, an economically Assistant U.S. Atty Brian Delaney said Magallanes was arrested in a separate case and told officials about Diaz. These men were the real life inspirations for McFarland USA. They pocketed 4 pounds and turned in just a pound as evidence, officials said. challenged town in California's farm-rich In our case, you know, theres seven and my dad worked a lot of hours. Diazs loyalty to Magallanes would be his downfall. Twitter. They work in the school system and believe in. So that was my experience for the first time at state having the pressure. He did a lot of things for us that our dad couldnt, becauseit financially just wasnt available. It was really an honor. Sunny to partly cloudy. His attorney says he should be home for the holidays and then back in court in Fresno in January. Meet Coach White and the Diaz Brothers Inspirations - Mama Latina Tips Disney turned it into a. 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. Let us send you our favorite posts and ideas once a week. See Sites with Your Personal Info. Their parents are also highly regarded by each of them and they obviously have a deep love for the family unit. McFarland, USA - Wikipedia See Who's Searching for You. Unlike most defendants sentenced to prison for drug trafficking and other serious crimes, Diaz, dressed in a dark suit, walked out of the courthouse Monday afternoon unshackled, temporarily a free man. [LAUGHS] Much worse. Eguenia was best described by many that Bakersfield Man Sentenced to 7 Years in Prison for Conspiring - KTLA -LCU.edu, Yes. Damacio Diaz, photo courtesy of Mama Latina Tips. Yes. See more stories in. What Happened to Damacio Diaz? Bakersfield Cop Seen in 'Killing County' Both men are currently in halfway houses, Diaz in the Sacramento area and Mara in the Long Beach area. 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 . In 2018, another man, Noel Carter, from Bakersfield, pleaded guilty to conspiring with Diaz and Mara to distribute drugs, according to federal prosecutors. A South Valley legend so popular he became the subject of a Disney movie has taken a hard fall. Damacio Diaz, former BPD detective who stole drugs and put - YouTube My dad gives me a sense of security, she told the court. Copyright 2023 KFSN-TV. Silvia died on October 27, Herlinda on October 28. [CHUCKLES] When we were growing up, maybe seven, eight, nine, ten thousand people is the population. Damacio Diaz pleaded guilty to bribery, drugtrafficking and tax evasion. FRESNO, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) Former Bakersfield police detective Damacio Diaz was sentenced Monday in federal court to five years in prison. Disgraced former BPD officers Damacio Diaz and Patrick Mara - KGET 17 This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Back then, McFarland was largely white demographically. Kevin Costner (Coach Jim White) and Diana Maria Riva (Seora Diaz) in McFarland, USA. The corruption scandal broke in November 2015 when federal agents arrested Bakersfield Police Detective Damacio Diaz for helping traffic methamphetamines. BAKERSFIELD, Calif. A former Bakersfield Police detective, serving time in prison for his role in a drug ring, has been released. Disgraced former BPD detective Damacio Diaz released from federal This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Under it you read three words:Tradition, Unity, and Excellence. Write by: He literally would buy us shoes, feed us, counsel us, console us when we lost, that kinda stuff. Diaz will be sentenced for three federal counts on October 3rd. He gave them information to clean up the department, said his lawyer, David Torres, in an interview. 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. DANNY DIAZ : You know, growing up in McFarland we didnt have much. Coach White called Thomas over. The. 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. We would like your email. Newsweek has everything you need to know about what happened to Bakersfield cop Damacio Diaz and why he is featured on Killing County. A lot of us competed in college. We signed with this one company. I wanna know is your mom really that way, because she was a scene stealer? She changed her plans following her fathers indictment. In May 2020, Diaz was released from a halfway house in Sacramento, where he was staying after serving his time. Select this result to view Damacio Diaz's phone number, address, and more. Diazs attorney, David Torres, was clearly relieved by the judges decision. The hearing included impassioned appeals by Diazs brother, wife and daughter, with the two latter witnesses in tears through much of their statements. It was great meeting you on the trip - it was such fun! The 16-count indictment against the 17-year police veteran includes bribery and trafficking methamphetamine. -Congressional Record, V. 146, Pt. Mr. White had a lot more influence [on the script]. And we were running number one all year long. Diaz, Damacio Diaz, David Diaz, Diego DANNY DIAZ : Yeah, if you drive600 miles out . A previous version of this article said the district attorneys office reviewed 108 cases involving the detectives. We have also done internal investigations on many allegations that were made and once again they have been unable to uncover anything. 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. 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. Honestly, as we sat and talked with the Diaz brothers 3things were very apparent. 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). The best result we found for your search is Damacio Diaz age 50s in Bakersfield, CA. They went back to the original first year that we won state. Plus I am a big Kevin Costner fan, I dont think I have ever not liked one of his movies. And sports is what kind of helped us get out of that. Do you feel like the movie does a good job of describing that culture (of family and pickers)? The three Diaz brothers featured in the new Disney movie, David, Damacio and Danny, all speak highly of both of their parents. Damacio is related to Elizabeth Z Diaz and Delia G Garza as well as 3 additional people. But his chief is ready to turn his back. Convicted former officer Damacio Diaz says corruption was from the top under Coach Jim White at McFarland High That streak ended while the movie was in production, after the small school was elevated to Division I status, a byproduct of their success. (I am in the red in the back betweenDamacio and Danny). DANNY DIAZ : Uh, well, that was the last race for that year. Damacio Diaz. Damacio Diaz Profiles | Facebook About $15,000 stuck out of Magallanes shorts. DAVID DIAZ : He was out in my field still in the evening helping me do my work. The highest homicide rate The most crime. 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. How often do you guys still train together with the new students? When the informant left, the narcotics detective found just under $1,000 in the passenger-side door pocket. DANNY DIAZ : And we played basketball the entire week. More than 100 convictions were overturned as a result. McFarland, USA vs. the True Story of Coach Jim White's 1987 Team 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. 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. We maybe started school but hardly any of us finished. McFarland, USA: Directed by Niki Caro. Like in the movie, Thomas Valles went to an overpass above Highway 99 one night after his parents got into a horrible fight. McFarland, USA (2015) - Full Cast & Crew - IMDb Posted on Published: February 18, 2015- Last updated: August 7, 2022. victor puentes mcfarland As you pull into McFarland, you will know notice a silhouette of a runner running through an open field. 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 . Then the following season, we were ranked number one for the entire season. If its not for the help of our cousins and our uncles and our friends and our church its really difficult during these times to raise a child. He retired in 2003 after 23 years of coaching boys cross country. He offers the kids a chance 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. [Asking Danny referring to the last race of the first year]. Then to keep him on the narrow road or that straight road is tough. About $15,000 stuck out of Magallanes'. That the judge would even mention such a possibility underscored the unusual nature of the hearing. [CHUCKLES]. 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. 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