damacio diaz wife

All seven Diaz children ran for Jim White and all seven went on to . The Feds arrested him at the. 6:40 p.m. Oct. 25, 2016: A previous version of this article said the district attorneys office reviewed 108 cases involving the detectives. Plus, David still runs competitively and coaches. We have also done internal investigations on many allegations that were made and once again they have been unable to uncover anything. All Access Digital offer for just 99 cents! [CHUCKLES] When we were growing up, maybe seven, eight, nine, ten thousand people is the population. I understand he did a lot of good before this criminal activity. 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. Yes. Phillip A. Talbert said the two detectives were specially selected for a joint drug task force in a region plagued by methamphetamine. 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. In an extraordinary statement, Judge ONeill spoke directly to Diazs daughter, Caroline. But he encouraged us to play sports. But his chief is ready to turn his back. 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. David is represented in the McFarland, USA movie along with two of his brothers, Damacio and Danny. There are no shopping malls or large grocery stores. Write by: Yes. After the interview we were able to get a picture with them. Damacio Diaz pleaded guilty to bribery, drugtrafficking and tax evasion. Second, he expressed sympathy regarding the educational quandary in which she finds herself. So, thats a big change. I even performed the wedding service for Damacio Diaz . No. You know we are a God-fearing folks, so we were teaching in Sunday school on Sundays. Forty-four of his cases will result in letters. DAMACIO DIAZ : Yeah, were very, very proud of the way the movie portrayed us, our family. Bakersfield. Source: YouTube/KGET Article continues below advertisement Federal prosecutors in court sentencing documents said Mara had two patrol officers stop a vehicle the detectives knew was carrying 5 pounds of methamphetamine. BPD detective Damacio Diaz, portrayed in McFarland USA movie arrested The love they genuinely have for him was heartfelt and true. Timeline of Events - KGET 17 Bakersfield Man Sentenced to 7 Years in Prison for Conspiring - KTLA We signed with this one company. interview. Former BPD detective, Damacio Diaz sentenced to 5 years - KERO They appeared happy to be with us, and they enjoyed sharing their behind the scenes stories about the . Where are BPD Officers Aaron Stringer and Rick Wimbish Now. When the informant left, the narcotics detective found just under $1,000 in the passenger-side door pocket. DANNY DIAZ : Uh, well, that was the last race for that year. 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. How often do you guys still train together with the new students? If I could beat their third, fourth, fifth man, sixth man whatever, I would add more points to them. 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. Thats a long time in jail for someone who once wore a badge.. The Real Life Inspirations Jim White, David Diaz, Damacio Diaz & Danny Disgraced Bakersfield Police Detective Sentenced To Five Years They work in the school system and believe in. Greens office reviewed 87 cases of the detectives involving 123 defendants before deciding to send the letters. 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. 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. This behavior became common, prosecutors said. cross country coach talks about what it A South Valley legend so popular he became the subject of a Disney movie has taken a hard fall. 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. Then they can do whatever they want. DAMACIO DIAZ, by and through his counsel, DAVID A. TORRES, hereby submits Damacio Diaz' Statement in Mitigation for the court's consideration. 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 . And so, its just a fun place to be. What about the children? "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. The 16-count indictment against the 17-year police veteran includes bribery and trafficking methamphetamine. He gave them information to clean up the department, said his lawyer, David Torres, in an interview. It reviewed 87 cases. [CHUCKLES]. He did submit every kind of narcotics to evidence following each bust. But the guys over here were in decent shape still. The story of McFarland started with a cross-country in the '80s. So, Danny youre talking about they made you a little different. Disgraced detective whose story was told in 'McFarland USA' gets prison 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. Their parents are also highly regarded by each of them and they obviously have a deep love for the family unit. And we were running number one all year long. 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. This included members of the Bakersfield High Drillers. BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) Damacio Diaz found himself on the other side of the law when he was convicted and sentenced for his role in selling drugs stolen from a Bakersfield Police Department evidence room. 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. 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 this is gonna be a family movie, so it is okay. He was a fifth grade teacher and before he was a P.E. This one looks awesome, can't wait to see it. Its hard to understand how he could do both.. -LCU.edu, Yes. Kevin Costner and others picking in the fields in McFarland, USA. 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. The Diaz brothers represent 3 of the 7 runners from the McFarland Cross Country team of 1987. So I'd have two practices." 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. Yes. Despite the possible life sentence, a federal judge ruled Diaz can be released. Thats what they wanted to do and Im just excited to be included in the movie. JIM WHITE : Let, let me add one thing to that. And we were part of the Royal Rangers andwe did that on Tuesday nights at our local church. It is a day I truly regret and a decision that has changed my entire life.. People Search Patrick Mara, center, speaks while flanked by attorney Fred Gagliardini. On that day, Leopoldo became a man. Jim White restarted the program in 1980 after it had been dropped for a year. Jim White is the main character of the sports drama film McFarland, USA. 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. That day I was fifth runner and I felt so much pressure, but you know, lucky we were able to pull it off. 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,. Former Bakersfield Police Department Detective Pleads Guilty to Bribery 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. So hes a very knowledgeable guy. ", 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. JIM WHITE : Thomas. It taught you how to accept losing or winning. DAMACIO DIAZ : He was our seventh man actually. Facebook gives people the power to. Real-Life Diaz Brothers Discuss Growing Up in McFarland, USA 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. The DOJ said Diaz and Mara deliberately failed to submit seized drugs as evidence and instead provided the stolen narcotics to Carter. BAKERSFIELD, Calif. A former Bakersfield Police detective, serving time in prison for his role in a drug ring, has been released. 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. How much or any input did you have to have on the filming, the making the movie? White and many other family members and friends were in court to support Diaz. Did Coach White encourage you to use any of his style when youre teaching or coaching? 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. [LAUGHS], Kevin Costner and Carlos Pratts in McFarland, USA. In 2016 Diaz was sentenced for crimes including federal. Diaz pleaded guilty last spring as part of a plea agreement that became public in May. It was indeed the first time that many of the kids ever saw the ocean. And it didnt. Thomas Valles | You can't have my job, but I'll tell you a story 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. DANNY DIAZ : Im trying to be nice here. picking in the fields. Like in the movie, Thomas Valles went to an overpass above Highway 99 one night after his parents got into a horrible fight. 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. 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). children ran for Jim White and all seven How did that impact your lives during high school to move on in the future? Twitter. 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. His partner, Patrick Mara, admitted to selling methamphetamine. PDF IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT of - KERO DAMACIO DIAZ : The one that took off real fast, you know. Our third man, Jose, he just-. 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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 . His performance at the 1987 state meet did help McFarland lock up the title. BPD detective arrested for drug trafficking However, similar to the film, Jim White had never been a runner himself and used the bike to follow the team during their workouts. We run once in a whileamongst, DAVID DIAZ : ourselves. DANNY DIAZ : We, we love basketball. Wife of public defender who died at Mexico resort speaks out. under Coach Jim White at McFarland High As well as accepting illegal bribes, Diaz engaged in drug trafficking while with the BPD. Its a poor community. That is definitely true. It was fat. McFarland, USA: Directed by Niki Caro. 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.". BAKERSFIELD, Calif., (KBAK/KBFX) Damacio Diaz, a former Detective for the Bakersfield Police Department, has been released from federal custody. FEMALE : How McFarland had changed, um, now that the movies gone? 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. DANNY DIAZ : We didnt train. The former narcotics officer is now known, however, for going to prison in 2016 for charges tied to drugs, bribery and tax fraud. Copyright 2017 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. "Sometimes I helped them work in the fields," says the real Coach Jim White, "but more importantly, I had practice at a different time. Now, local prosecutors say the scandal jeopardizes other criminal cases. 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. Both men are currently in halfway houses, Diaz in the Sacramento area and Mara in the Long Beach area. Many of the citizens of McFarland were extras in the movie. In Boise, Idaho, 1987, Jim White and his title of coach is signifying his status as a . Both had their sentences reduced. However, he had been a teacher in the McFarland School District since 1964, following his graduation from Pepperdine University. Damacio Diaz was sitting in his car alongside informant Guillermo Memo Magallanes. Their actions risked their fellow officers safety for greed.. Where are Damacio and Patrick now? Mr. Diaz, their dad Paul, he pushed education real hard, too. 'McFarland USA' Hero Arrested For Conspiring With Drug Dealer PE teacher in McFarland, an economically DAVID DIAZ : And just to let you know, um, Gods good and we own almonds now. Local photojournalist John Harte, who followed the team at the time, says that he witnessed opposing teams offer genuine handshakes of good luck. Damacio Diaz Profiles | Facebook Damacio Diaz - CA Cross Country results and photos on Athletic.net Damacio Diaz, photo courtesy of Mama Latina Tips. Convicted former officer Damacio Diaz says corruption was from the top Damacio Diaz, 43, was arrested on November 20, 2015 and 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. I had never been the top five, and as you know the top five are the ones that score. Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. Primary filming took place in McFarland, California in 2013. 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. 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. Damacio Diaz - Address & Phone Number | Whitepages We all feel grateful and the whole communitys just embracing it. Coach White concurred and said their mom even asked why they didn't make her strict enough. Early on, ONeill seemed to be signaling he was taking a hard-line stance. "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. Im a runner. See more stories in. They came from a large family where faith,educationand hard work were important. He is amazing. Ray was arrested in February 2020 and in April 2022, following a four-week trial, he was convicted on several counts. May God BLESS you all richly. -Congressional Record, V. 146, Pt. In the least, such scenes seem to have been exaggerated by the filmmakers. 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. Former detective Patrick Mara was also. That is why it was so amazing and cool that I got to interview Jim White, David Diaz, Damacio Diaz, and Danny Diaz. DAMACIO DIAZ : Go ahead and call it. Danny Diaz was not overweight, but he was the seventh runner on the team. 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. 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. A full house of over three hundred gave a rousing standing ovation to Jim and his wife, Cheryl. And so, we have a great dad. Thats why we had the sixth and seventh runner on a team. We have changed our city logo. We were very happy that that was going to take place. The ramifications of the corruption scandal could be large. Damacio Diaz was sitting in his car alongside informant Guillermo "Memo" Magallanes. Two corrupt cops joined forces with drug dealers. Now, dozens of 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. Disney turned it into a. You have permission to edit this article. Their city logo and motto have both been refreshed to express the new outlook of their community. If it were ethical, I would pay to have you go to UCLA, he said, noting that it clearly was not. My dad has 13 brothers and sisters. It gave you character. 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. 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. You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times. An interview with Jim White, David Diaz, Damacio Diaz and Danny Diaz Mr. White was there as a person that we can rely on. But federal agents arrested him at work today. DANNY DIAZ : Once you give them your story, obviously you sign with them. It reviewed 87 cases. McFarland, USA (2015) - Full Cast & Crew - IMDb They investigated every name that came up, uncovered every rock, and no one elses name came to light in their scandal, the chief said. [LAUGHS] Much worse. Diaz will be sentenced for three federal counts on October 3rd. When one of Diazs attorneys used the word indiscretion to describe Diazs misdeeds, ONeill interrupted. The community of McFarlandis important to them. Damacio Diaz was released Friday from a halfway house in Sacramento, according to the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Yet this fraud used his position for gain and greed. But U.S. Atty. I was just running to, to displace other runners and add them more points. They became the drug traffickers themselves, he said. As, as hes retired. They went back to the original first year that we won state. Information from: The Bakersfield Californian, http://www.bakersfield.com. Um, Im running my first half marathon soon, and, um, I just wanna know are those hills what you really trained on? 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. 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 were sooo funny to chat with. He will then be subject to three years of supervised release. He literally would buy us shoes, feed us, counsel us, console us when we lost, that kinda stuff. Delaney was the prosecutor in the case. His viewpoint of not changing too much from that aspect I see a definite change. In the movie, you [Coach White] spent a day picking in the fields with the boys. To you culture, um, is all about community and it takes a village to raise a child. DAMACIO DIAZ : Yeah, we just run, Danny and I, just to stay in shape. Diaz and his partner, Patrick Mara, later admitted to ripping off drug dealers of their methamphetamine during traffic stops. My dad gives me a sense of security, she told the court. Gabriel Diaz, Damacio Diaz, David Diaz, Diego Diaz, and father and mother Paul and Juanita Diaz. We basically told our story, got interviewed for hours and hour and hours, and that was pretty much it. The former NFL player is an executive producer on Hulu's "Killing County.". The detective tipped him off about a Drug Enforcement Administration wiretap that captured him chatting, advising him to lay low, according to documents. it was in various stages, because this was about a 15-year process for us, my wife and I . This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. DAVID DIAZ : He was a very inspirational part. Get up to speed with our Essential California newsletter, sent six days a week. Former narcotics detective Damacio Diaz has accepted a plea deal in connection with federal charges that could send him to prison for life. Not exactly. And thatsthe one we have now. DAMACIO DIAZ : And if I can add to that. His attorney says he should be home for the holidays and then back in court in Fresno in January. In May 2020, Diaz was released from a halfway house in Sacramento, where he was staying after serving his time. She changed her plans following her fathers indictment. I have seven kids myself and all of us have a lot of kids. The most police executions. I cannot thank all of the people involved enough for bringing this story to us. He retired in 2003 after 23 years of coaching boys cross country. A lot of us competed in college. Police Corruption Scandal in Bakersfield Could Jeopardize Other 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. FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- The charges against Damacio Diaz have people in his hometown in disbelief. Partly cloudy this evening followed by increasing clouds with showers developing after midnight. They pocketed 4 pounds and turned in just a pound as evidence, officials said. McFarland Residents Shocked by Arrest of Bakersfield Cop Portrayed in 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. Thomas Valles went on to become a prison guard (LA Times). I never had pressure. About $15,000 stuck out of Magallanes shorts. They all spend some time running with the cross country team, as well as with their own kids.

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