damacio diaz wife

Right before interviewing Kevin Costner (see that here), we had the great privilege of interviewing the real life inspirations behind the new Disney film, McFarland, USA, Coach Jim White and the Diaz brothers, David, Damacio and Danny.They were so charming, and funny, and honest. Diaz 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. 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.. "I think it goes to show that sometimes the portrayal of images, and good work that has happened in the past, sometimes comes to what we see today and that people aren't always what they seem," said Greg Williamson, Bakersfield police chief. All of a sudden I saw these headlights and it was Mr. White in his '59 Chevy." Please log in, or sign up for a new account to continue reading. Yes. I used to take Damacio and some of hispeers. Yes. Two years later, we signed with another one, not quite that often, but it took a long process. My dad has 13 brothers and sisters. was like to have a movie made about his 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. Diaz, a 17-year Bakersfield cop, worked on 32 cases involving 53 defendants, with 20 requiring letters, she said. 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. 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. 6:40 p.m. Oct. 25, 2016: A previous version of this article said the district attorneys office reviewed 108 cases involving the detectives. It reviewed 87 cases. of 1 Jim White restarted the program in 1980 after it had been dropped for a year. 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. Go see it with your family! 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. By Laura Donaldson On 2/3/23 at 8:00 AM EST Damacio Diaz, former BPD detective who stole drugs and put - KGET 17 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. 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. teacher. champions. Damacio Diaz - CA Cross Country results and photos on Athletic.net Calif. And so, I cant keep up with my kids in high school [CHUCKLES], but I go with my little seven-year-old. Former detective Patrick Mara was also implicated in the same crime. Former detective depicted in 'McFarland, USA' is sentenced to five All Access Digital offer for just 99 cents! Did Coach White encourage you to use any of his style when youre teaching or coaching? and last updated 2016-10-03 21:34:05-04. "McFarland's Family of Champions," are Although, David did add that his mom is actually much more strict than she is made to bein the movie. My dad gives me a sense of security, she told the court. . Additionally, Coach White would be there for counseling and fulfilling needs beyond what their parents could afford. Join Facebook to connect with Damacio Diaz and others you may know. Did you ever do that again? Diaz pleaded guilty to stealing. Learn more about the McFarland, USA true story by watching the Jim White interview below. It was indeed the first time that many of the kids ever saw the ocean. DAMACIO DIAZ : Mr. White might have more than us. [LAUGHS] Much worse. They appeared happy to be with us, and they enjoyed sharing their behind the scenes stories about the . How often do you guys still train together with the new students? Get up to speed with our Essential California newsletter, sent six days a week. I didn't want to go home," says Thomas. But in reality the script that was written, we prayed that it would never happen. And he told me I want them to get their education, so I will go back and get my education. FRESNO, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) Former Bakersfield police detective Damacio Diaz was sentenced Monday in federal court to five years in prison. They came from a large family where faith,educationand hard work were important. Eguenia was best described by many that 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. Now, local prosecutors say the scandal jeopardizes other criminal cases. 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. Then they can do whatever they want. 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. var _ndnq = _ndnq || []; _ndnq.push([embed]); Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Map: Track this weekends rain in the Bay Area, McFarland USA runner gets prison for corruption as police detective. Thats what they wanted to do and Im just excited to be included in the movie. Mr. Diaz, their dad Paul, he pushed education real hard, too. However, it was later revealed that BPD Detectives Damacio Diaz and Patrick Mara were involved in making Ramirez an informant. He went back and got it. Damacio stated that they were very proud of the way the movie portrayed their story their family. With nothing to do in their small town, kidshave two choices: education and sports or the streets. 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. View Others. 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. His life story had been portrayed in the Disney movie "McFarland, USA". David Diaz is behind Victor wearing a white t-shirt and McFarland hat. [CHUCKLES]. Both are about to begin five-year federal prison sentences for their crimes. Disneys McFarland, USA, is helping to put the Diazs hometown on the map across the globe. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. But even prosecutor Brian Delaney of the U.S. Attorneys Office seemed satisfied with Diazs ultimate sentence, a dozen years fewer than the minimum he had recommended. But the guys over here were in decent shape still. Like in the movie, Thomas Valles went to an overpass above Highway 99 one night after his parents got into a horrible fight. All Rights Reserved. Assistant U.S. Atty Brian Delaney said Magallanes was arrested in a separate case and told officials about Diaz. Julie and Jami are depicted in the McFarland, USA movie. McFarland High School is actually just down the road from the Central Valley Correctional Facility, not across the street. The 16-count indictment against the 17-year police veteran includes bribery and trafficking methamphetamine. They talk about being 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. [LAUGHS] We all, all of us are basketball players. Oh, its more than an indiscretion, he said. 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. Interview with Jim White and the Diaz Brothers for McFarland, USA I am excited to share with you another great interview from my McFarland, USA press trip. 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. 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. Back then, McFarland was largely white demographically. But if it werent for sports our kids would be lost, because its either education and sports or the streets. 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 . All of us went to college. 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. Atty. The love they genuinely have for him was heartfelt and true. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. DAVID DIAZ : And just to let you know, um, Gods good and we own almonds now. And difficult to say what opportunities were missed or how much damage was done," said Benjamin Wagner, US Attorney. Former detective Patrick Mara was also. 'McFarland USA' runner Damacio Diaz gets prison - The Mercury News Diaz, Damacio Diaz, David Diaz, Diego 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. country team. February 3, 2023, 11:49 PM Part of the docu-series focuses on former Bakersfield Police Officers Damacio Diaz and Patrick Mara. 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. The former NFL player is an executive producer on Hulu's "Killing County.". Thomas Valles | You can't have my job, but I'll tell you a story I still currently run. Former narcotics detective Damacio Diaz has accepted a plea deal in connection with federal charges that could send him to prison for life. I understand he did a lot of good before this criminal activity. Diaz was a local celebrity at the time. White sees the athletic DANNY DIAZ : And we played basketball the entire week. So, thatwas good. Disgraced detective whose story was told in 'McFarland USA' gets prison ", 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. Silvia was 16 and Herlinda was 14. Paul Fischer, 73, called the Inyo County . Real-Life Diaz Brothers Discuss Growing Up in McFarland, USA Speaking of running, we asked the Diaz brothers if they still run. The Department of Justice said Diaz and Mara would deliberately fail to submit seized drugs as evidence and instead would give them to Carter, who would sell them for profit. 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. What Happened to Damacio Diaz? DAMACIO DIAZ : For us, I believe sports, in general, we were already tough kids and we were used to working hard and theyre seven of us in our family. But thats okay. Thomas Valles went on to become a prison guard (LA Times). victor puentes mcfarland 12, The real Jim White and wife Cheryl White actually have three daughters, Tami, Julie and Jami. Former Bakersfield Police Department Detective Pleads Guilty to Bribery Damacio Diaz. 1999 - 2000 DAMACIO DIAZ : The one that took off real fast, you know. 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. The U.S. Attorneys Office had recommended a sentence of between roughly 17 and 22 years, but the judge had discretion. The community of McFarland still works as a village to raise their youth. He literally would buy us shoes, feed us, counsel us, console us when we lost, that kinda stuff. DAVID DIAZ : Uh, we donttrain. 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. He will have about two months to think about what comes next. Known as @lacrimes on Twitter, during almost 30 years at The Times he also has been part of the breaking news staff that won Pulitzers in 1998, 2004 and 2016. Welcome to Killing County. All seven Diaz children ran for Jim White and all seven went on to . Leopoldo's father abandoned his wife and children. My mom has 12. Yes. The. 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.". Damacio stated that they were very proud of the way the movie portrayed their story their family. Danny Diaz was not overweight, but he was the seventh runner on the team. Damacio Diaz, 43, of McFarland, California, a detective with the Bakersfield, California, Police Department (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 U.S. Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner of the Eastern District of California . You can read our Kevin Costner Interview about his role as Jim White in the McFarland, USA movie. Then to keep him on the narrow road or that straight road is tough. 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. Where is Damacio Diaz Now? 'Killing County' on Hulu Explores His Story RAW VIDEO: Former BPD detective Damacio Diaz reacts to 5-year - YouTube JIM WHITE : Let, let me add one thing to that. Sunny to partly cloudy. A true crime thriller we made set in Kevin McCarthys district. This included members of the Bakersfield High Drillers. After the interview we were able to get a picture with them. Damacio Diaz - Address & Phone Number | Whitepages Still, it was rarely the entire quantity as he, his partner Patrick Mara, as well as an associate, reportedly had this combined side hustle. And Johnny was with him. Honestly, as we sat and talked with the Diaz brothers 3things were very apparent. A drug and corruption scandal has rocked the Bakersfield Police Department. PrepCalTrack.com conducted this Jim White 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. 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. JIM WHITE : Let me add a little bit of that. Soon Diaz and Mara were getting into other illegal activities, authorities said. 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. All seven Diaz Diaz, a former Bakersfield police detective, is interviewed on camera in Killing County. He also was indicted on charges of disclosing wiretap information to a criminal partner, interfering with a criminal investigation, and other felonies, but those charges were dismissed in the plea agreement. DANNY DIAZ : Im trying to be nice here. But I still do that and I coach. But I also understand clearly that while he did not sell his soul, he certainly rented it out.. Disgraced former BPD officers Damacio Diaz and Patrick Mara - KGET 17 It taught you discipline. School. DANNY DIAZ : east from McFarland, Mr. White here would take us to the hills. Their city logo and motto have both been refreshed to express the new outlook of their community. Bakersfield. Former BPD detective, Damacio Diaz sentenced to 5 years - KERO Were all a year apart. The hearing included impassioned appeals by Diazs brother, wife and daughter, with the two latter witnesses in tears through much of their statements. So, my dad worked ten, twelve, thirteen, fourteen hours a day sometimes and both of them [his parents] come from large families. But federal agents arrested him at work today. Kern County Dist. We [LAUGHS], we played basket. According to Torres, the federal system will keep Diaz behind bars for more than four years before he becomes eligible for release. He gave them information to clean up the department, said his lawyer, David Torres, in an interview. 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. Then the following season, we were ranked number one for the entire season. [CHUCKLES] And about two years ago, Mr. White, you help me pull? They pocketed 4 pounds and turned in just a pound as evidence, officials said. 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 .