Youre driving on 99, the freeway, and you blink and youll miss it. Did you ever do that again? It was such a great experience. 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 . Yes. There are no shopping malls or large grocery stores. Twitter. JIM WHITE : Let me add a little bit of that. Posted on Published: February 18, 2015- Last updated: August 7, 2022. Jim White restarted the program in 1980 after it had been dropped for a year. Many of the citizens of McFarland were extras in the movie. 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.". The DOJ said Diaz and Mara deliberately failed to submit seized drugs as evidence and instead provided the stolen narcotics to Carter. Atty. And believe it or not, before he was a coach, hes a scientist. FEMALE : How McFarland had changed, um, now that the movies gone? DAVID DIAZ : Not at all. it's not all true but he's okay with that. 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. Although, David did add that his mom is actually much more strict than she is made to bein the movie. Soon Diaz and Mara were getting into other illegal activities, authorities said. The former NFL player is an executive producer on Hulu's "Killing County.". 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.". 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. During the investigation, five other officers were placed on administrative leave related to the investigation and one recently resigned. 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 . And so, we have kids that are in high school and some that are in elementary school. And, uh, low and behold, Mr. White, during Thanksgiving break, uh, when we have no school, he had an emergency. Kern County Dist. Its hard to understand how he could do both.. It depends on the circumstances. All seven Diaz children ran for Jim White and all seven went on to . 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. DANNY DIAZ : Uh, well, that was the last race for that year. All of us went to college. Thats why we had the sixth and seventh runner on a team. On that day, Leopoldo became a man. Then to keep him on the narrow road or that straight road is tough. But I also understand clearly that while he did not sell his soul, he certainly rented it out.. Scott Spielman said. 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. Atty. 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. I used to take Damacio and some of hispeers. 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. With Kevin Costner, Ramiro Rodriguez, Carlos Pratts, Johnny Ortiz. He offers the kids a chance He would beat us up all the time. [LAUGHS]. Winds WNW at 10 to 20 mph.. 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). [LAUGHS] Theymade me, uh . Did that change how you ran in future races? 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). Where are BPD Officers Aaron Stringer and Rick Wimbish Now. Copyright 2017 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. 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. Diaz would quickly implicate Mara and then suggest others were making money too. 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. They appeared happy to be with us, and they enjoyed sharing their behind the scenes stories about the . We then wanted to know, "How much, if any, input did you have to have on the filming and the making the movie?Damacio Diaz: Mr. White might have had more than us. 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. So hes a very knowledgeable guy. We basically told our story, got interviewed for hours and hour and hours, and that was pretty much it. "I was standing there. 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. FRESNO, Calif. Damacio Diaz, 44, of McFarland, formerly a detective with the Bakersfield Police Department, pleaded guilty today to 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. Talbert announced. You have permission to edit this article. Starring Kevin Costner, Maria Bello, Carlos Pratts, Hector Duran, Copyright 2023 HistoryvsHollywood.com, CTF Media, No. But this is gonna be a family movie, so it is okay. Federal prosecutors in court sentencing documents said Mara had two patrol officers stop a vehicle the detectives knew was carrying 5 pounds of methamphetamine. Yet this fraud used his position for gain and greed. [CHUCKLES] Same thing happened back in the day when we were kids. In 2018, another man, Noel Carter, from Bakersfield, pleaded guilty to conspiring with Diaz and Mara to distribute drugs, according to federal prosecutors. 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. And then Disney resigned us and got a better script writer. He went back and got it. I feel like if hes gone, I wont have anyone, said Diazs daughter Caroline, a student at Bakersfield College who had originally planned to attend UCLA. As he walked a Hollywood red carpet in February and talked to Action News anchor Graciela Moreno about McFarland USA, little did Diaz know his life was ready to unravel. JIM WHITE : Thomas. 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. Although, David did add that his mom is actually much more strict than she is made to be in the movie. Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way. What Happened to Damacio Diaz? Jim White is the main character of the sports drama film McFarland, USA. February 27, 2023 new bill passed in nj for inmates 2022 No Comments . However, it was later revealed that BPD Detectives Damacio Diaz and Patrick Mara were involved in making Ramirez an informant. . We were raised in the field, it was our life. Im a runner. 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. He was a fifth grade teacher and before he was a P.E. [LAUGHS] These guys had all the pressure. The. Diaz may be a free man later tonight, but he's facing life in prison for allegedly helping a meth dealer get drugs and stay undetected, all while he was supposed to be a narcotics detective. 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. A full house of over three hundred gave a rousing standing ovation to Jim and his wife, Cheryl. 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. Yes. DAMACIO DIAZ : And if I can add to that. We would like your email. 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. 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. Back then, McFarland was largely white demographically. Coach White called Thomas over. BAKERSFIELD, Calif., (KBAK/KBFX) Damacio Diaz, a former Detective for the Bakersfield Police Department, has been released from federal custody. It taught you discipline. Under it you read three words:Tradition, Unity, and Excellence. McFarland, USA comes to theaters on Friday, February 20th. Their actions risked their fellow officers safety for greed.. They went back to the original first year that we won state. But [LAUGHS], as far as wanting to be a teacher he wasnt the only reason why we got into the education, but he was one of the two or three maybe. It taught you how to accept losing or winning. View Others. Um, Im running my first half marathon soon, and, um, I just wanna know are those hills what you really trained on? I didnt enjoy it very much. Welcome to Killing County. 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. Diaz, a former Bakersfield police detective, is interviewed on camera in Killing County. 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. 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. DAMACIO DIAZ : The one that took off real fast, you know. 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? DANNY DIAZ : That is true. of 1 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. 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. Yes. So , DANNY DIAZ : Mr. White never went back to Stockton never again. So Im always looking out for their kids. [CHUCKLES] When we were growing up, maybe seven, eight, nine, ten thousand people is the population. -Congressional Record, V. 146, Pt. Coach Jim White (Kevin Costner) is the new country team. Danny and Damacio run 3 to 5 miles a day to simply stay in shape. He says that And theres not much to do there. So, thatwas good. "I can't say I was going to jump, but I was thinking about my life and why some people would jump. So, that was a real good part of the movie though. They talk about being inspired to strive for something beyond picking in the fields. champions. [CHUCKLES] And about two years ago, Mr. White, you help me pull? it all made sense. [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.. 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. Vida en el Valle file Daniel Casarez. Read More: Where are BPD Officers Aaron Stringer and Rick Wimbish Now? So, it was a big deal for us. 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. 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. [LAUGHS] We all, all of us are basketball players. Those are the two extremes and those are the two options that are there for our community. Please log in, or sign up for a new account to continue reading. "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. Now we are a runner running through the field, a figure silhouette of a runner. Thats what they wanted to do and Im just excited to be included in the movie. Honestly, as we sat and talked with the Diaz brothers 3things were very apparent. Damacio Diaz was sitting in his car alongside informant Guillermo "Memo" Magallanes. pic.twitter.com/qKxl7i5dfn. You can read our Kevin Costner Interview about his role as Jim White in the McFarland, USA movie. 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. Ray was arrested in February 2020 and in April 2022, following a four-week trial, he was convicted on several counts. However, it happened a little differently than in the movie. 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. Our third man, Jose, he just-. Diaz, Damacio Diaz, David Diaz, Diego inspired to strive for something beyond Some, like David Diaz, became teachers themselves. 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. It reviewed 87 cases. But I still do that and I coach. Both had their sentences reduced. In April 2019, Carter was sentenced to seven and a half years in prison for conspiring with Diaz and Mara to sell the seized drugs. 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. Federal authorities say 43-year-old Damacio Diaz took bribes from a narcotics dealer, and, in exchange, provided the names of police informants, gave details of law enforcement investigations, and tried to protect him from arrest. He got into the truck and began to talk with Coach White about his difficulties at 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. Both are about to begin five-year federal prison sentences for their crimes. They all spend some time running with the cross country team, as well as with their own kids. We dont have the big malls. 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. David Diaz is behind Victor wearing a white t-shirt and McFarland hat. 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. 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. His attorney says he should be home for the holidays and then back in court in Fresno in January. That streak ended while the movie was in production, after the small school was elevated to Division I status, a byproduct of their success. DANNY DIAZ : Running in the race, Mr. White and the rest of the guys were telling me Joses out of it. [CHUCKLES]. As, as hes retired. Fun fact: Rafael Martinez, who plays David Diaz in the movie, is one of my closest friends even to this day! DAVID DIAZ : He was out in my field still in the evening helping me do my work. 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. People Search Kevin Costner and others picking in the fields in McFarland, USA. 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. DANNY DIAZ : And we played basketball the entire week. . If it were ethical, I would pay to have you go to UCLA, he said, noting that it clearly was not. Yes. Damacio Diaz. It was such a great experience. His life story had been portrayed in the Disney movie "McFarland, USA". The former narcotics officer is now known, however, for going to prison in 2016 for charges tied to drugs, bribery and tax fraud. 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. No, the real Coach Jim White actually started coaching cross country at McFarland High School in 1980. 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. 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] 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. So, with myself, they [CHUCKLES] made me chubby in the movie. White retired in 2002 afterteaching in McFarland schools for 40 years and coaching for 25 years. Four years ago on a sweltering afternoon, Bakersfield Police Det. 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. My mom has 12. DAMACIO DIAZ : Mr. White might have more than us. Join Facebook to connect with Damacio Diaz and others you may know. Select this result to view Damacio Diaz's phone number, address, and more. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. And so, we have a great dad. In the least, such scenes seem to have been exaggerated by the filmmakers. Mr. White had a lot more influence [on the script]. 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. Hes a pretty good coach, too. Dozens of Coach Jim White's runners ended up going to college or into the armed forces. So for us, it was a way of life. Acting U.S. Atty. I didn't want to go home," says Thomas. Silvia was 16 and Herlinda was 14. The sentence received Monday was more lenient than prosecutors had urged for Damacio Diaz, a 17-year veteran of the Bakersfield Police Department. "It was damaging. DANNY DIAZ : We, we love basketball. 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). Is that how the last race happened? 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. I had never been the top five, and as you know the top five are the ones that score. 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. DAMACIO DIAZ : He was our seventh man actually. 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. Former detective Patrick Mara was also implicated in the same crime. 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 . 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. The most police executions. Diaz was not remanded into custody. 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. Eliu Garza, also a McFarland High runner, is . Get Morning Report and other email newsletters. Second, he expressed sympathy regarding the educational quandary in which she finds herself. Damacio Diaz is one of the subjects of new Hulu documentary Killing County. potential at the predominantly Latino high 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. Silvia died on October 27, Herlinda on October 28. 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. SPONSORED LINKS DANNY DIAZ : We didnt train. interview. We were racing big races and trying to accomplish big things, so we looked at Mr. White as our dad. Plus, David still runs competitively and coaches. Plus I love Kevin Costner! He literally would buy us shoes, feed us, counsel us, console us when we lost, that kinda stuff. 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. . 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. David is represented in the McFarland, USA movie along with two of his brothers, Damacio and Danny. Is that still happening in McFarland? He gave them information to clean up the department, said his lawyer, David Torres, in an interview. -LA Times. The Diaz brothers represent 3 of the 7 runners from the McFarland Cross Country team of 1987. The story of McFarland started with a cross-country in the '80s. But his chief is ready to turn his back. He must report to federal authorities before 2 p.m. Dec. 5 to begin serving his sentence. The highest homicide rate The most crime. They came from a large family where faith,educationand hard work were important. CA. What about the children? Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. On one occasion, Mrs. Diaz made 200 dozen tamales to send the team to Asia. Diaz initially became well-known after the release of 2015 Disney movie, McFarland USA, starring Kevin Costner..