So that was my experience for the first time at state having the pressure. "Sometimes I helped them work in the fields," says the real Coach Jim White, "but more importantly, I had practice at a different time. to know what it feels like to be The detective tipped him off about a Drug Enforcement Administration wiretap that captured him chatting, advising him to lay low, according to documents. 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. 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. Their mom and dad worked hard and pushed the boys even harder to succeed and do well. [LAUGHS] And we dont have the big grocery stores. Copyright 2023 KFSN-TV. 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. These were the guys running in the California heat and winning state titles. But this is gonna be a family movie, so it is okay. Everyone there is excited about the movie and thenotoriety they have been receiving from it. Winds WNW at 10 to 20 mph.. However, he had been a teacher in the McFarland School District since 1964, following his graduation from Pepperdine University. The legendary former McFarland If it were ethical, I would pay to have you go to UCLA, he said, noting that it clearly was not. Tom Sizemore dead at 61 after suffering brain aneurysm, Crews helping residents stranded by snow in Mariposa County, Home catches fire in snow-covered neighborhood in North Fork. school and decides to put together a cross They threw it out. CA. 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. My mom has 12. Ray was arrested in February 2020 and in April 2022, following a four-week trial, he was convicted on several counts. McFarland, USA comes to theaters on Friday, February 20th. 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. They came from a large family where faith,educationand hard work were important. 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. Although, David did add that his mom is actually much more strict than she is made to be in the movie. So, it was a big deal for us. It reviewed 87 cases. 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. Thomas Valles went on to become a prison guard (LA Times). But, no, they made me chubby or overweight [CHUCKLES] and hecka hella slow [LAUGHS] when you watch the movie. ", 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. Its grapes and its oranges and its almonds and its cotton and stuff in our area, but those werent available. Phillip A. Talbert said the two detectives were specially selected for a joint drug task force in a region plagued by methamphetamine. DAVID DIAZ : Uh, we donttrain. Diaz will be sentenced for three federal counts on October 3rd. But the guys over here were in decent shape still. 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. Defendant reserves the . JIM WHITE : Let, let me add one thing to that. Along with fellow BPD Detective Patrick Mara, 40, the two were sentenced to five years in federal prison. 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. A lot of us competed in college. Mara was released from a halfway house in April after serving a little less than four years in federal prison. Five years in jail for a law enforcement officer thats still a serious sentence. In Boise, Idaho, 1987, Jim White and his title of coach is signifying his status as a . Coach White took the orders and delivered them. It was indeed the first time that many of the kids ever saw the ocean. 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. Assistant U.S. Atty Brian Delaney said Magallanes was arrested in a separate case and told officials about Diaz. I never had pressure. That was the only thing really that they had thats available to show that type of work [for the movie]. But thats okay. 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. Then to keep him on the narrow road or that straight road is tough. Acting U.S. Atty. Damacio Diaz pleaded guilty to bribery, drugtrafficking and tax evasion. Damacio Diaz one of the three Diaz brothers depicted in the 2015 Disney film about the victorious Central Valley team admitted to lying on his tax returns and accepting bribes from an . Yes. He was a fifth grade teacher and before he was a P.E. Members of McFarland's Diaz family reflect So, Danny youre talking about they made you a little different. You pick up any type of bug or any type of leaf, he knows what it is. Diaz then began cooperating with federal investigators and named other cops he said were corrupt. He is portrayed by Kevin Costner. Diaz initially became well-known after the release of 2015 Disney movie, McFarland USA, starring Kevin Costner. They were very respectful and well-mannered towards him, treating him with much respect as we talked. You can read our Kevin Costner Interview about his role as Jim White in the McFarland, USA movie. DAVID DIAZ : So, it helps you running wise and mentally wise, as well, because you have to endure that steepness, if you will. . director of photography Film Editing by David Coulson Casting By Sheila Jaffe Production Design by Richard Hoover The 16-count indictment against the 17-year police veteran includes bribery and trafficking methamphetamine. So, thats a big change. They work in the school system and believe in. Honestly, as we sat and talked with the Diaz brothers 3things were very apparent. View Others. The highest homicide rate The most crime. 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. -John Harte, Yes, and at times the White family paid for new shoes and clothing for the team out of their own pockets. 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. Two years later, we signed with another one, not quite that often, but it took a long process. Not exactly. Damacio Diaz said he doesn't recognize the man he was three years ago when he was a detective working for Bakersfield police. 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. 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. The. So Im always looking out for their kids. Information from: The Bakersfield Californian, http://www.bakersfield.com. Julie and Jami are depicted in the McFarland, USA movie. In the movie, you [Coach White] spent a day picking in the fields with the boys. DANNY DIAZ : We didnt train. Eguenia was best described by many that Diaz, a former Bakersfield police detective, is interviewed on camera in Killing County. The Diaz brothers represent 3 of the 7 runners from the McFarland Cross Country team of 1987. 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 . under Coach Jim White at McFarland High Please log in, or sign up for a new account to continue reading. Coach White called Thomas over. He says that 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. She was amazing in the movie. That streak ended while the movie was in production, after the small school was elevated to Division I status, a byproduct of their success. They have also lived in Mc Farland, CA and Delano, CA. Those are the two extremes and those are the two options that are there for our community. Right now our community is excited obviously with the movie and rightfully so. Bakersfield. The relationship between the brothers and Coach White is endearing. Now we are a runner running through the field, a figure silhouette of a runner. Diaz, a 17-year Bakersfield cop, worked on 32 cases involving 53 defendants, with 20 requiring letters, she said. I wanna know is your mom really that way, because she was a scene stealer? JIM WHITE : Thomas. 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. 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). Damacio Diaz features in new Hulu documentary "Killing County. Chance of rain 40%. He literally would buy us shoes, feed us, counsel us, console us when we lost, that kinda stuff. [CHUCKLES] And, and we didnt train and we got fifth that year. The best result we found for your search is Damacio Diaz age 50s in Bakersfield, CA. I didn't want to go home," says Thomas. There are no shopping malls or large grocery stores. Low 44F. 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. On one occasion, Mrs. Diaz made 200 dozen tamales to send the team to Asia. His performance at the 1987 state meet did help McFarland lock up the title. 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 : And we played basketball the entire week. Public corruption takes a heavy toll on our communities, and our office remains committed to prosecuting such conduct.". This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. That year, Mara filed for bankruptcy and said he was drinking heavily. The district attorneys office is prepared to retry the cases if necessary, Assistant Dist. JIM WHITE : From my aspect, I guess it was in various stages, because this was about a 15-year process for my wife and I. We were very happy that that was going to take place. I am excited to share with you another great interview from my McFarland, USA press trip. 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. The community of McFarland still works as a village to raise their youth. Jim White is to Thomas' right and Gary Adams is to White's right. Diaz pleaded guilty to stealing. Kevin Costner (Coach Jim White) and Diana Maria Riva (Seora Diaz) in McFarland, USA. Their actions risked their fellow officers safety for greed.. Like in the movie, Thomas Valles went to an overpass above Highway 99 one night after his parents got into a horrible fight. 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. 1972 March 9 - Damacio Diaz birth date 1973 April 17 - Noel Carter birth date 1980 March 16 - Noel Carter birth date 1982 July 15 - Derrick Penney birth date 1986 August 7 - Logan August birth date 1996 August - Damacio Diaz hired by the Tulare Police Department. We don't know that anyone was physically injured as a result of it, fortunately. When the informant left, the narcotics detective found just under $1,000 in the passenger-side door pocket. The multi-part documentary is coming to the streaming platform on February 3 and includes first-person interviews with individuals and families plagued by gun violence, officer-involved homicides and other crimes in Bakersfield and Kern County, California. 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. It taught you discipline. 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.". White retired in 2002 afterteaching in McFarland schools for 40 years and coaching for 25 years. DIAZEugenia Vasquez Diaz loving wife, mother, grandmother passed away on August 1, 2012 at the age of 94. Youre driving on 99, the freeway, and you blink and youll miss it. [LAUGHS]. It gave you character. Diaz, a former Bakersfield police detective, is interviewed on camera in Killing County. DANNY DIAZ : Once you give them your story, obviously you sign with them. Soon Diaz and Mara were getting into other illegal activities, authorities said. Yes. And we were part of the Royal Rangers andwe did that on Tuesday nights at our local church. They were sooo funny to chat with. In 2018, another man, Noel Carter, from Bakersfield, pleaded guilty to conspiring with Diaz and Mara to distribute drugs, according to federal prosecutors. The United States Attorney's Office said Diaz continued to operate the informant "even though he was fully aware of the informant's ongoing criminal activity and, during this time, Diaz received bribes from the informant in return for intelligence on law enforcement activities as well as protection from investigation and arrest.". 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. Learn more about the McFarland, USA true story by watching the Jim White interview below. "People discovered who I was, what my background was, and I was assaulted by numerous inmates," Diaz told 17 News. 6:40 p.m. Oct. 25, 2016: A previous version of this article said the district attorneys office reviewed 108 cases involving the detectives. Overall though, they agreed that the picker lifestyle and Latino culture of the community was perfectly captured. DANNY DIAZ : Running in the race, Mr. White and the rest of the guys were telling me Joses out of it. Damacio Diaz - CA Cross Country results and photos on Athletic.net FRESNO, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) Former Bakersfield police detective Damacio Diaz was sentenced Monday in federal court to five years in prison. -Congressional Record, V. 146, Pt. Fun fact: Rafael Martinez, who plays David Diaz in the movie, is one of my closest friends even to this day! No foul language or nudity - just fresh air. DAMACIO DIAZ : He was our seventh man actually. All seven Diaz Many of the citizens of McFarland were extras in the movie. [LAUGHS]. Plus, David still runs competitively and coaches. 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. 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. Defense attorneys compared the Bakersfield situation to the Los Angeles Police Departments Rampart scandal in the late 1990s, in which corrupt officers tainted cases. But his chief is ready to turn his back. Diaz would quickly implicate Mara and then suggest others were making money too. [LAUGHS] Much worse. Calif. More than 100 convictions were overturned as a result. The sentence received Monday was more lenient than prosecutors had urged for Damacio Diaz, a 17-year veteran of 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. 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. These men were the real life inspirations for McFarland USA. Copyright 2020 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. pic.twitter.com/qKxl7i5dfn. All Rights Reserved. And it didnt. She argued that her husband has learned from his mistakes and should not face any prison time at all. The Feds said Diaz was cheating the system in several ways -- for one, by stealing cash for drug buys or stealing the drugs from drug buys. We hope that you continue to enjoy our free content. We shouldve had first. Diazs loyalty to Magallanes would be his downfall. it's not all true but he's okay with that. Our third man, Jose, he just-. The real Jim White and wife Cheryl White actually have three daughters, Tami, Julie and Jami. All seven Diaz children went to college and all seven returned to McFarland where they live today. We, we basically told our story, got interviewed for hours and hour and hours, and that was pretty much it. Defendants could seek motions for a new trial or to withdraw pleas in some cases. What about the children? See Sites with Your Personal Info. Diaz, who has been allowed to remain free throughout the process, cooperated fully with investigators, according to the prosecution. But if it werent for sports our kids would be lost, because its either education and sports or the streets. Keep an eye on your inbox for updates. Its hard to understand how he could do both.. But U.S. Atty. He got into the truck and began to talk with Coach White about his difficulties at home. See Who's Searching for You. Atty. He will have about two months to think about what comes next. And, wow, those hills are its not rolling hills. Federal prosecutors in court sentencing documents said Mara had two patrol officers stop a vehicle the detectives knew was carrying 5 pounds of methamphetamine. Davids the oldest and he was a bully. They were cross country state champs in 1987, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1999, 2000 and 2001. DAVID DIAZ : Not at all. School. 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. He went back and got it. That the judge would even mention such a possibility underscored the unusual nature of the hearing. However, he did rebuild the boys and girls cross country programs from the ground up. Damacio Diaz was sitting in his car alongside informant Guillermo Memo Magallanes. So for us, it was a way of life. And we try to trip him up on that, and hes very smart in that regard. This one looks awesome, can't wait to see it. What is going on here is really outrageous, said criminal defense attorney Mark Geragos. Each one of the brothers are land owners in McFarland. Coach White concurred and said their mom even asked why they didn't make her strict enough. They all spend some time running with the cross country team, as well as with their own kids. 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. [CHUCKLES] When we were growing up, maybe seven, eight, nine, ten thousand people is the population. FRESNO Disgraced former Bakersfield Police Department detective Damacio Diaz was sentenced Monday in U.S. District Court to five years in federal prison a far more lenient sentence than prosecutors had urged for offenses including drug trafficking, taking bribes and lying on his tax return. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. And, uh, low and behold, Mr. White, during Thanksgiving break, uh, when we have no school, he had an emergency. 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. JIM WHITE : Ive done it quite often. Source: YouTube/KGET Article continues below advertisement Back then, McFarland was largely white demographically. He did submit every kind of narcotics to evidence following each bust. 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. In fact, a blink of an eye as you drive down Highway 99 in California and you will miss it. Thats a long time in jail for someone who once wore a badge.. I didnt enjoy it very much. Welcome to Killing County. Hi everyone! Paul Fischer, 73, called the Inyo County . His viewpoint of not changing too much from that aspect I see a definite change. No. 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 . Starring Kevin Costner, Maria Bello, Carlos Pratts, Hector Duran, Copyright 2023 HistoryvsHollywood.com, CTF Media, No. They talk about being inspired to strive for something beyond picking in the fields. No. 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. According to the National Park Service, citing law enforcement officials, the husband and wife were discovered on Jan. 13. . Sports in high school can make or break a young man. In our case, you know, theres seven and my dad worked a lot of hours. Here's what we know. And Johnny was with him. Primary filming took place in McFarland, California in 2013. The three Diaz brothers featured in the new Disney movie, David, Damacio and Danny, all speak highly of both of their parents. Patrick Mara, center, speaks while flanked by attorney Fred Gagliardini. That is definitely true. Prosecutors are specifically reexamining cases from 2011 to 2014, when the partners were committing crimes. Also, take a closer look at the Diaz family, who had seven children run for McFarland. Disney turned it into a. The disgraceful and criminal behavior of Diaz and Mara has gravely impacted the Bakersfield Police Department as well as our community as a whole, she said. In 2016, Diaz, 48, was sentenced for "federal programs bribery, possession and attempted possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, and making and subscribing a false income tax return." A full house of over three hundred gave a rousing standing ovation to Jim and his wife, Cheryl. DANNY DIAZ : Yeah, if you drive600 miles out . 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.. "It was damaging. But I also understand clearly that while he did not sell his soul, he certainly rented it out..