However, similar to the film, Jim White had never been a runner himself and used the bike to follow the team during their workouts. On that day, Leopoldo became a man. The Diaz brothers represent 3 of the 7 runners from the McFarland Cross Country team of 1987. I've watched "McFarland" probably more than 200 times. Bakersfield. 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. The story of McFarland started with a cross-country in the '80s. I still currently run. 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. No. Plus I love Kevin Costner! It was such a great experience. Many of White's former runners credit him with inspiring them to achieve personal and career goals they would have otherwise deemed impossible (People.com). DANNY DIAZ : Im trying to be nice here. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Delaney shakes hands with former Bakersfield Police Department detective Damacio Diaz in this file photo from Diaz's Oct. 3 sentencing. Diaz was active as a youth coach, and as a cop he rose quickly through the ranks before, as he said, he was seduced by the lure of easy money, by stealing and selling methamphetamine for personal profit, the very drugs he was being paid to get off the streets. [LAUGHS] And we dont have the big grocery stores. JIM WHITE : Let, let me add one thing to that. Director Niki Caro chose to omit Luis Partida, who in the movie is replaced with David Diaz. Where are Damacio and Patrick now? White retired in 2002 afterteaching in McFarland schools for 40 years and coaching for 25 years. BAKERSFIELD, Calif. Noel Carter, 45, of Bakersfield, was sentenced today for conspiring with Bakersfield police officers Damacio Diaz and Patrick Mara to distribute methamphetamine and marijuana that Diaz and Mara seized in the course of their duties as police officers, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced. No foul language or nudity - just fresh air. The former NFL player is an executive producer on Hulu's "Killing County.". and last updated 2016-10-03 21:34:05-04. 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. it all made sense. Youre driving on 99, the freeway, and you blink and youll miss it. Raul was also a runner on the team when his sister was killed. Under the circumstances, theres absolutely no issue of dual justice here, he said. 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. DAMACIO DIAZ : Us training together, maam? DAMACIO DIAZ : Our kids all compete. However, he had been a teacher in the McFarland School District since 1964, following his graduation from Pepperdine University. "Sometimes I helped them work in the fields," says the real Coach Jim White, "but more importantly, I had practice at a different time. 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. They talk about being And theres not much to do there. It depends on the circumstances. Yes. 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. Public corruption takes a heavy toll on our communities, and our office remains committed to prosecuting such conduct.". He did a lot of things for us that our dad couldnt, becauseit financially just wasnt available. We basically told our story, got interviewed for hours and hour and hours, and that was pretty much it. A South Valley legend so popular he became the subject of a Disney movie has taken a hard fall. Atty. You pick up any type of bug or any type of leaf, he knows what it is. 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. Mr. White was there as a person that we can rely on. I wanna know is your mom really that way, because she was a scene stealer? And underneath and this was given out to the high school and a high school girl came up with this logo Tradition, Unity, and Excellence. champions. Yes. Yes. PE teacher in McFarland, an economically Not exactly. 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. Both are about to begin five-year federal prison sentences for their crimes. Thats a long time in jail for someone who once wore a badge.. My dad has 13 brothers and sisters. He is amazing. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. It was fat. 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,. We are no longer theHeartbeat of Agriculture. They also plan to seize about $50,000 in cash and a home in an exclusive McFarland neighborhood. The DOJ said Diaz and Mara deliberately failed to submit seized drugs as evidence and instead provided the stolen narcotics to Carter. Select this result to view Damacio Diaz's phone number, address, and more. 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. Still, it was rarely the entire quantity as he, his partner Patrick Mara, as well as an associate, reportedly had this combined side hustle. It does take a village [CHUCKLES] to raise, a child. Damacio Diaz pleaded guilty to bribery, drugtrafficking and tax evasion. DANNY DIAZ : Uh, well, that was the last race for that year. In the least, such scenes seem to have been exaggerated by the filmmakers. Vida en el Valle file Daniel Casarez. That year, Mara filed for bankruptcy and said he was drinking heavily. Sports in high school can make or break a young man. He offers the kids a chance So, Danny youre talking about they made you a little different. Silvia died on October 27, Herlinda on October 28. of 1 This included members of the Bakersfield High Drillers. Though it is very close, Jim White likely wouldn't have had a clear view of it from his classroom window, as a street of homes separates the school's athletic fields from the prison grounds. 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. We have also done internal investigations on many allegations that were made and once again they have been unable to uncover anything. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. DAMACIO DIAZ : And if I can add to that. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Delaney speaks to the news media after former Bakersfield Police Department detective Damacio Diaz was sentenced Monday in U.S. District Court in Fresno to five years in federal prison. We were racing big races and trying to accomplish big things, so we looked at Mr. White as our dad. They are a faith-filled family. Low 44F. September 22, 2016, 12:07 PM. Although, the brothers did say that the town hasnt really changed much, Coach White has noticed one big change. 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. So Im always looking out for their kids. BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (AP) 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. Sorry, there are no recent results for popular videos. Thats why we had the sixth and seventh runner on a team. The Feds arrested him at the. David is represented in the McFarland, USA movie along with two of his brothers, Damacio and Danny. All of a sudden I saw these headlights and it was Mr. White in his '59 Chevy." Mara was released from a halfway house in April after serving a little less than four years in federal prison. In our case, you know, theres seven and my dad worked a lot of hours. He must report to federal authorities before 2 p.m. Dec. 5 to begin serving his sentence. Coach Jim White is retired now, but if you go to McFarland, chances are you willsee him out there on his bike, keeping up with the kids every evening with a lotof his original team running alongside as well. 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. 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. Jim White is to Thomas' right and Gary Adams is to White's right. See more stories in. As, as hes retired. This one looks awesome, can't wait to see it. And believe it or not, before he was a coach, hes a scientist. Thats what they wanted to do and Im just excited to be included in the movie. How did that impact your lives during high school to move on in the future? It was really an honor. 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. 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 . Michael Aguero as Damacio Diaz Rafael Martinez as David Diaz Ramiro Rodriguez as Danny Diaz Diana-Maria Riva as Seora Diaz Vanessa Martnez as Maria Marsol Martha Higareda as Lupe Valente Rodriguez as Principal Camillo Chris Ellis as Coach Jenks Eloy Casados as Dale Padilla Natalia Cordova-Buckley as Seora Valles Production [ edit] Calif. FRESNO, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) Former Bakersfield police detective Damacio Diaz was sentenced Monday in federal court to five years in prison. We maybe started school but hardly any of us finished. Mr. White had a lot more influence [on the script]. Disney turned it into a. You can read our Kevin Costner Interview about his role as Jim White in the McFarland, USA movie. It reviewed 87 cases. [CHUCKLES]. You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times. Mr. Diaz, their dad Paul, he pushed education real hard, too. 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. 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? 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. They have also lived in Mc Farland, CA and Delano, CA. Its a poor community. But thats okay. Where are BPD Officers Aaron Stringer and Rick Wimbish Now. Our third man, Jose, he just-. I am excited to share with you another great interview from my McFarland, USA press trip. Diaz pleaded guilty last spring as part of a plea agreement that became public in May. Second former BPD cop could receive up to 27 years, but Deputies agree to plead guilty to drug charge in case connected to disgraced BPD cop, VIDEO: Christmas wonderland featuring the Grinch Mobile, Graphic Content: 2014 homicide of Abel Trujillo, Kern County Public Health Services Department, Mansion's $3M sale tops high-end price trend, California community colleges rely too much on part-time faculty and misspend funds, audit finds, Frontier's Estrada repeats as 145-pound state boys wrestling champion; Golden Valley's Roby is runner-up in girls 189, Aera sells to German energy investor, Canadian pension fund, Home prices still under pressure as Bakersfields median skids, PHOTO GALLERY: Day 3 of the 3-day CIF State Wrestling Championships, PHOTO GALLERY: Day 2 of the 3-day CIF State Wrestling Championships, PHOTO GALLERY: Day 1 of March Meet at Famoso Raceway, PHOTO GALLERY: Opening day of the 3-day CIF State Wrestling Championships, PHOTO GALLERY: Kennedy hosts Delano in the Central Section Division V boys soccer championship, PHOTO GALLERY: 'It keeps them wanting to come to school': Shirley Lane Elementary celebrates Read Across America, PHOTO GALLERY: 'A beautiful Black History Month party', PHOTO GALLERY: Cold snap causes snow, road closures near Frazier Park, PHOTO GALLERY: CALM's black bear Cid makes Super Bowl pick. JIM WHITE : Let me add a little bit of that. And so, we have a great dad. 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. However, it happened a little differently than in the movie. In May 2020, Diaz was released from a halfway house in Sacramento, where he was staying after serving his time. DANNY DIAZ : And we played basketball the entire week. It gave you character. Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way. The best result we found for your search is Damacio Diaz age 50s in Bakersfield, CA. Diaz initially became well-known after the release of 2015 Disney movie, McFarland USA, starring Kevin Costner.. Damacio Diaz said he doesn't recognize the man he was three years ago when he was a detective working for Bakersfield police. He was a fifth grade teacher and before he was a P.E. DAMACIO DIAZ, by and through his counsel, DAVID A. TORRES, hereby submits Damacio Diaz' Statement in Mitigation for the court's consideration. DANNY DIAZ : We didnt train. Not the right Damacio Diaz? 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. The detective tipped him off about a Drug Enforcement Administration wiretap that captured him chatting, advising him to lay low, according to documents. He is portrayed by Kevin Costner. And sports is what kind of helped us get out of that. 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. Damacio Diaz was released Friday from a halfway house in. 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. 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. Coach Jim White Interview & the Diaz Family Looks Back, Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile. I can't wait to see this movie! Thanks! View the profiles of people named Damacio Diaz. Also, take a closer look at the Diaz family, who had seven children run for McFarland. Prosecutors are specifically reexamining cases from 2011 to 2014, when the partners were committing crimes. He told me to take my wife out on a date or buy my kids something, Diaz would later recall in court papers. There are no shopping malls or large grocery stores. The legendary former McFarland Jim White and the Diaz Brothers with our Group for McFarland, USA. She was amazing in the movie. went on to college. They investigated every name that came up, uncovered every rock, and no one elses name came to light in their scandal, the chief said. Local photojournalist John Harte, who followed the team at the time, says that he witnessed opposing teams offer genuine handshakes of good luck. Two years later, we signed with another one, not quite that often, but it took a long process. 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. When the informant left, the narcotics detective found just under $1,000 in the passenger-side door pocket. We were raised in the field, it was our life. Diaz and his partner, Patrick Mara, later admitted to ripping off drug dealers of their methamphetamine during traffic stops. 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. Read More: Where are BPD Officers Aaron Stringer and Rick Wimbish Now? it was in various stages, because this was about a 15-year process for us, my wife and I . DANNY DIAZ : Running in the race, Mr. White and the rest of the guys were telling me Joses out of it. That decision also rocked the Kern County criminal justice system, marking the beginning of an ugly police corruption scandal involving cash, drugs and protection.