-LA Times. Coach Jim White (Kevin Costner) is the new Coach Jim White Interview & the Diaz Family Looks Back, Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile. Read More: Where are BPD Officers Aaron Stringer and Rick Wimbish Now? Starring Kevin Costner, Maria Bello, Carlos Pratts, Hector Duran, Copyright 2023 HistoryvsHollywood.com, CTF Media, No. [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.. 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. Calif. They talk about being Get Morning Report and other email newsletters. But the guys over here were in decent shape still. 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 federal agents arrested him at work today. JIM WHITE : Ive done it quite often. It was great meeting you on the trip - it was such fun! [LAUGHS] We didnt do cabbage. 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. Ray referred to Felicia Rosario as his "wife," though they were never married. 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. The. Local photojournalist John Harte, who followed the team at the time, says that he witnessed opposing teams offer genuine handshakes of good luck. Plus I love Kevin Costner! The former BPD official apparently knew what he was doing wasnt right in any way, shape, or form, yet he couldnt find a way out as there was no one he could approach for help, as per the docuseries. Theres nothing to do in McFarland. Like in the movie, Thomas Valles went to an overpass above Highway 99 one night after his parents got into a horrible fight. However, it happened a little differently than in the movie. That is why it was so amazing and cool that I got to interview Jim White, David Diaz, Damacio Diaz, and Danny Diaz. Where are BPD Officers Aaron Stringer and Rick Wimbish Now. Fun fact: Rafael Martinez, who plays David Diaz in the movie, is one of my closest friends even to this day! Diaz initially became well-known after the release of 2015 Disney movie, McFarland USA, starring Kevin Costner.. 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. His life story had been portrayed in the Disney movie "McFarland, USA". 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. potential at the predominantly Latino high In other words, he joined the Tulare Police Department as a low-level officer in August 1996 just to work hard and be able to move on to Bakersfield as a detective precisely two years later. Read More: Where are BPD Officers Aaron Stringer and Rick Wimbish Now? BAKERSFIELD, Calif. A former Bakersfield Police detective, serving time in prison for his role in a drug ring, has been released. Posted on Published: February 18, 2015- Last updated: August 7, 2022. However, similar to the film, Jim White had never been a runner himself and used the bike to follow the team during their workouts. 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. 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. Damacio Diaz, 44, of McFarland, formerly a detective with the Bakersfield Police Department, was sentenced today to five years in prison for bribery . Their city logo and motto have both been refreshed to express the new outlook of their community. Let us send you our favorite posts and ideas once a week. 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." Not the right Damacio Diaz? With nothing to do in their small town, kidshave two choices: education and sports or the streets. They are amazing guys who still have that humble hardworking attitude! Damacio is related to Elizabeth Z Diaz and Delia G Garza as well as 3 additional people. According to the California Department of Justice, Diaz and Mara conspired with another man, Noel Carter, 46. 1998 July - Damacio Diaz hired by the Bakersfield Police Department. . - An ex-detective who was on the championship 1987 track team depicted in the movie "McFarland USA" has been sentenced to five years in prison after pleading guilty to bribery and drug charges. 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. Those are the two extremes and those are the two options that are there for our community. Gabriel Diaz, Damacio Diaz, David Diaz, Diego Diaz, and father and mother Paul and Juanita Diaz. 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. Whether it be Burglary, Financial Crimes Detail, Homicide, Narcotics Investigations, Sexual Assault, Special Enforcement (Gang), or Vice, he worked in every department at one point or the other. Our father never could ever go watch us race. We hope that you continue to enjoy our free content. The movie is based on the true story of a 1987 cross . 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. But U.S. Atty. Though according to Damacios own account in the Hulu production, his dreams and aspirations took a complete turn once he witnessed some adrenaline-pumping, actual police work first-hand. Jim White and the Diaz Brothers with our Group for McFarland, USA. Defendants could seek motions for a new trial or to withdraw pleas in some cases. Both had their sentences reduced. 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 . Here's what we know. DAMACIO DIAZ : Us training together, maam? 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. 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. Second, he expressed sympathy regarding the educational quandary in which she finds herself. Information from: The Bakersfield Californian, http://www.bakersfield.com. Damacio Diaz features in new Hulu documentary "Killing County. 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. 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. I understand he did a lot of good before this criminal activity. We maybe started school but hardly any of us finished. Plus I am a big Kevin Costner fan, I dont think I have ever not liked one of his movies. It was such a great experience. 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. All Access Digital offer for just 99 cents! 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. 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? Thats what they wanted to do and Im just excited to be included in the movie. The corruption scandal broke in November 2015 when federal agents arrested Bakersfield Police Detective Damacio Diaz for helping traffic methamphetamines. But I also understand clearly that while he did not sell his soul, he certainly rented it out.. Disney turned it into a. This one looks awesome, can't wait to see it. Then the following season, we were ranked number one for the entire season. Coach White concurred and said their mom even asked why they didnt make her strict enough. View Public Details & Court Records. But in reality the script that was written, we prayed that it would never happen. After his father left, Leopoldo and his mother decided to pack . [LAUGHS]. All seven Diaz children ran for Jim White and all seven went on to . inspired to strive for something beyond Their actions risked their fellow officers safety for greed.. I wanna know is your mom really that way, because she was a scene stealer? So we have a lot of uncles and everybody has a lot of kids. In the least, such scenes seem to have been exaggerated by the filmmakers. Copyright 2020 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Everyone there is excited about the movie and thenotoriety they have been receiving from it. Diaz and his partner, Patrick Mara, later admitted to ripping off drug dealers of their methamphetamine during traffic stops. This hearing is not about telling someone they are no good, ONeill said. Diaz turned his back on those opportunities and broke the trust his community placed in him, violating the very laws he was sworn to enforce. I've watched "McFarland" probably more than 200 times. Diaz, and father and mother Paul and Leopoldo's father abandoned his wife and children. picking in the fields. [Asking Danny referring to the last race of the first year]. Mr. White had a lot more influence in how this script was written. Prosecutors are specifically reexamining cases from 2011 to 2014, when the partners were committing crimes. And then Disney resigned us and got a better script writer. 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.". My dad has 13 brothers and sisters. Write by: All seven Diaz children went to college and all seven returned to McFarland where they live today. 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. 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. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Four years ago on a sweltering afternoon, Bakersfield Police Det. Former Bakersfield Police officers Damacio Diaz, 48, and Patrick Mara, 40, have been released from federal custody, according to the Board of Prison's website. Go see it with your family! I didn't want to go home," says Thomas. They talk about being inspired to strive for something beyond picking in the fields. Primary filming took place in McFarland, California in 2013. children ran for Jim White and all seven Two years later, we signed with another one, not quite that often, but it took a long process. Did Coach White encourage you to use any of his style when youre teaching or coaching? Overall though, they agreed that the picker lifestyle and Latino culture of the community was perfectly captured. Former narcotics detective Damacio Diaz has accepted a plea deal in connection with federal charges that could send him to prison for life. (I am in the red in the back betweenDamacio and Danny). "People discovered who I was, what my background was, and I was assaulted by numerous inmates," Diaz told 17 News. If it were ethical, I would pay to have you go to UCLA, he said, noting that it clearly was not. She was amazing in the movie. Its a poor community. 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. Diaz initially became well-known after the release of 2015 Disney movie, McFarland USA, starring Kevin Costner. So, Danny youre talking about they made you a little different. Still, it was rarely the entire quantity as he, his partner Patrick Mara, as well as an associate, reportedly had this combined side hustle. Diaz, a former Bakersfield police detective, is interviewed on camera in Killing County. It depends on the circumstances. Damacio Diaz - CA Cross Country results and photos on Athletic.net PE teacher in McFarland, an economically They still believe in him, and so does his attorney, David A. Torres, who said, "He is and was a hero, in my opinion, and he is the same Damacio Diaz he is.". Two misdemeanor prostitution cases in which Diaz as an undercover detective was the only witness have already been dismissed. Federal prosecutors in court sentencing documents said Mara had two patrol officers stop a vehicle the detectives knew was carrying 5 pounds of methamphetamine. They came from a large family where faith,educationand hard work were important. cross country coach talks about what it That day I was fifth runner and I felt so much pressure, but you know, lucky we were able to pull it off. His viewpoint of not changing too much from that aspect I see a definite change. The district attorneys office is prepared to retry the cases if necessary, Assistant Dist. Jim White, David Diaz, Damacio Diaz and Danny Diaz for McFarland, USA. Learn how your comment data is processed. Dozens of Coach Jim White's runners ended up going to college or into the armed forces. 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. Disgraced cop's 5-year sentence a fraction of prosection's recommendation, Corrupt cops compel Kern DA to inform defense attorneys about 'tainted' cases. JIM WHITE : Let me add a little bit of that. Jim White restarted the program in 1980 after it had been dropped for a year. Its grown a little bit in the last two, three years but not much has changed. CA. In a highly charged hearing packed with family members and supporters of the former cop, U.S. District Judge Lawrence ONeill indicated during the nearly two-hour hearing that the case was among the most difficult and emotional hes encountered in all his years on the bench. We were about seven or eight years old when all that began. When the informant left, the narcotics detective found just under $1,000 in the passenger-side door pocket. The highest homicide rate The most crime. 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 . Newsweek has everything you need to know about what happened to Bakersfield cop Damacio Diaz and why he is featured on Killing County. But thats okay. View Others. So, thats a big change. Diaz, his large extended family, his friends and supporters including Jim White, the legendary McFarland High School cross country coach who was featured along with the Diaz brothers in the Disney movie, McFarland, USA, gathered in a prayer circle outside the courtroom following the hearing. The community of McFarland still works as a village to raise their youth. 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. 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. So for us, it was a way of life. According to the National Park Service, citing law enforcement officials, the husband and wife were discovered on Jan. 13. September 22, 2016, 12:07 PM. 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. The ramifications of the corruption scandal could be large. . Their mom and dad worked hard and pushed the boys even harder to succeed and do well. 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. He had to take off to Stockton to, to be with his family with a family situation and he left us there to, to train on our own. Welcome to Killing County. 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. They also plan to seize about $50,000 in cash and a home in an exclusive McFarland neighborhood. DAMACIO DIAZ : And if I can add to that. 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. A full house of over three hundred gave a rousing standing ovation to Jim and his wife, Cheryl. Both men are currently in halfway houses, Diaz in the Sacramento area and Mara in the Long Beach area. challenged town in California's farm-rich You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times. With Kevin Costner, Ramiro Rodriguez, Carlos Pratts, Johnny Ortiz. DAVID DIAZ : He was out in my field still in the evening helping me do my work. -John Harte, Yes, and at times the White family paid for new shoes and clothing for the team out of their own pockets. DAMACIO DIAZ : Yeah, we just run, Danny and I, just to stay in shape. Hi everyone! He did a lot of things for us that our dad couldnt, becauseit financially just wasnt available. Along with fellow BPD Detective Patrick Mara, 40, the two were sentenced to five years in federal prison. Oh, its more than an indiscretion, he said. 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 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.. Magallanes then told another drug dealer to dump his phone. The DOJ said Diaz and Mara deliberately failed to submit seized drugs as evidence and instead provided the stolen narcotics to Carter. I have seven kids myself and all of us have a lot of kids. Bakersfield. DANNY DIAZ : You know, growing up in McFarland we didnt have much. [LAUGHS] Theymade me, uh . Right now our community is excited obviously with the movie and rightfully so. DAMACIO DIAZ : Go ahead and call it. As stated above, the real Jim White started teaching in the McFarland School District straight out of college in 1964. They spoke often of God and their church, as well as the work they do there. Sports in high school can make or break a young man. Talbert said that we concluded no officers were complicit in joining Diaz and Mara, and that no further prosecutions were planned at this time. It gave you character. Please log in, or sign up for a new account to continue reading. 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. 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. All Rights Reserved. We run three, four, five miles a day just to stay in shape. No, the real Coach Jim White actually started coaching cross country at McFarland High School in 1980. These guys are amazing and it was a pleasure meeting them and listening to them. But his chief is ready to turn his back. He got into the truck and began to talk with Coach White about his difficulties at home. You can read our Kevin Costner Interview about his role as Jim White in the McFarland, USA movie. Defense attorneys compared the Bakersfield situation to the Los Angeles Police Departments Rampart scandal in the late 1990s, in which corrupt officers tainted cases. He told me to take my wife out on a date or buy my kids something, Diaz would later recall in court papers. DAVID DIAZ : So, it helps you running wise and mentally wise, as well, because you have to endure that steepness, if you will. He would beat us up all the time. DANNY DIAZ : And we played basketball the entire week. I notice a lot of you became teachers. He advised her to first trust in God, as the Almighty, he said, is not subject to the weaknesses and failings of humankind. They are a faith-filled family. 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. And sports is what kind of helped us get out of that. Diaz, who has been allowed to remain free throughout the process, cooperated fully with investigators, according to the prosecution. 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 pleaded guilty last spring as part of a plea agreement that became public in May. Then they can do whatever they want. The 16-count indictment against the 17-year police veteran includes bribery and trafficking methamphetamine. My parents definitely pushed us to go that route and not thewide road most people go to is other than college. 17 Damacio Diaz Photos and Premium High Res Pictures - Getty Images FILTERS CREATIVE EDITORIAL VIDEO 17 Damacio Diaz Premium High Res Photos Browse 17 damacio diaz stock photos and images available, or start a new search to explore more stock photos and images. DANNY DIAZ : Im trying to be nice here. David Diaz is behind Victor wearing a white t-shirt and McFarland hat. Girl, 13, Went Missing Last Week, and Suspect Is Arrested on . And he told me I want them to get their education, so I will go back and get my education. Thomas Valles went on to become a prison guard (LA Times). it was in various stages, because this was about a 15-year process for us, my wife and I .