[LAUGHS], Kevin Costner and Carlos Pratts in McFarland, USA. 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. 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 . As stated above, the real Jim White started teaching in the McFarland School District straight out of college in 1964. Coach White concurred and said their mom even asked why they didn't make her strict enough. Kern County Dist. Yes. So, my dad worked ten, twelve, thirteen, fourteen hours a day sometimes and both of them [his parents] come from large families. He gave them information to clean up the department, said his lawyer, David Torres, in an interview. and last updated 2016-10-03 21:34:05-04. Acting U.S. Attorney Phillip Talbert said at the time of Diaz's sentencing: "Diaz had a life that afforded him many opportunities, including the opportunity to serve and protect his community as an officer of the law. DANNY DIAZ : We didnt train. But Mr. White was our second father. Damacio Diaz. JIM WHITE : Let me add a little bit of that. We shouldve had first. Their stories were told in a beautiful way and they are excited Disney picked their tale to tell. Two corrupt cops joined forces with drug dealers. Now, dozens of DANNY DIAZ : Yeah, if you drive600 miles out . Did Coach White encourage you to use any of his style when youre teaching or coaching? As you pull into McFarland, you will know notice a silhouette of a runner running through an open field. Like in the movie, Thomas Valles went to an overpass above Highway 99 one night after his parents got into a horrible fight. PrepCalTrack.com conducted this Jim White Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. . I can't wait to see this movie! Unlike most defendants sentenced to prison for drug trafficking and other serious crimes, Diaz, dressed in a dark suit, walked out of the courthouse Monday afternoon unshackled, temporarily a free man. We [LAUGHS], we played basket. That day I was fifth runner and I felt so much pressure, but you know, lucky we were able to pull it off. Those suckers are, are steep. Diaz and his partner, Patrick Mara, later admitted to ripping off drug dealers of their methamphetamine during traffic stops. His performance at the 1987 state meet did help McFarland lock up the title. 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. Plus, David still runs competitively and coaches. All seven Diaz children went to college and all seven returned to McFarland where they live today. [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.. These I was able have an interview 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. And difficult to say what opportunities were missed or how much damage was done," said Benjamin Wagner, US Attorney. People Search Coach White called Thomas over. ", 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. Their city logo and motto have both been refreshed to express the new outlook of their community. That streak ended while the movie was in production, after the small school was elevated to Division I status, a byproduct of their success. She is preceded in death by her husband Damacio Diaz. She argued that her husband has learned from his mistakes and should not face any prison time at all. He also committed serious, reprehensible crimes. The movie is based on the true story of a 1987 cross . 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. [CHUCKLES] Same thing happened back in the day when we were kids. They became the drug traffickers themselves, he said. Killing County is scheduled to premiere on Hulu on Friday, February 3. "I was standing there. We don't know that anyone was physically injured as a result of it, fortunately. I never had pressure. of 1 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. [LAUGHS]. All of a sudden I saw these headlights and it was Mr. White in his '59 Chevy." 1999 - 2000 -LCU.edu, Yes. They talk about being We were racing big races and trying to accomplish big things, so we looked at Mr. White as our dad. In 2016 Diaz was sentenced for crimes including federal. He must report to federal authorities before 2 p.m. Dec. 5 to begin serving his sentence. Newsweek has everything you need to know about what happened to Bakersfield cop Damacio Diaz and why he is featured on Killing County. Copyright 2023 Lovebugs and Postcards | Birch on Trellis Framework by Mediavine. Silvia was 16 and Herlinda was 14. Not exactly. We dont have the big malls. We would like your email. Matter of fact, he ordered us and he forced us and he made us play sports, because the way he saw it hes the first one, and so he learned it before us. The community of McFarlandis important to them. We are no longer theHeartbeat of Agriculture. Damacio Diaz, former BPD detective who stole drugs and put - KGET 17 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. See Sites with Your Personal Info. champions. So, it was a big deal for us. Two misdemeanor prostitution cases in which Diaz as an undercover detective was the only witness have already been dismissed. That year, Mara filed for bankruptcy and said he was drinking heavily. -LA Times. 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. Disgraced former BPD detective Damacio Diaz released from federal Their mom and dad worked hard and pushed the boys even harder to succeed and do well. 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. My parents definitely pushed us to go that route and not thewide road most people go to is other than college. This hearing is not about telling someone they are no good, ONeill said. Mr. White was there as a person that we can rely on. According to the California Department of Justice, Diaz and Mara conspired with another man, Noel Carter, 46. CA. on their time as cross country runners 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. Diaz, who has been allowed to remain free throughout the process, cooperated fully with investigators, according to the prosecution. But, yes, I did that. Get Morning Report and other email newsletters. BPD detective arrested for drug trafficking DANNY DIAZ : Uh, well, that was the last race for that year. It depends on the circumstances. So hes a very knowledgeable guy. 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. All the notoriety that theyre getting and what this man over here, Mr. White, our coach, has brought to not just our program but to our community. We didnt have that close to us. The best result we found for your search is Damacio Diaz age 50s in Bakersfield, CA. He says that We were very happy that that was going to take place. We dont have actually any [CHUCKLES] malls. Its hard to understand how he could do both.. 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. Coach Jim White (Kevin Costner) is the new Greens office reviewed 87 cases of the detectives involving 123 defendants before deciding to send the letters. Paul Fischer, 73, called the Inyo County . He would beat us up all the time. You know we are a God-fearing folks, so we were teaching in Sunday school on Sundays. Danny Diaz | You can't have my job, but I'll tell you a story it all made sense. McFarland, USA (2015) - Full Cast & Crew - IMDb "People discovered who I was, what my background was, and I was assaulted by numerous inmates," Diaz told 17 News. The corruption scandal broke in November 2015 when federal agents arrested Bakersfield Police Detective Damacio Diaz for helping traffic methamphetamines. [LAUGHS]. And we were part of the Royal Rangers andwe did that on Tuesday nights at our local church. As, as hes retired. 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. What Happened to Isabella Pollok? Everything About Larry Ray's 'Lieutenant' All Access Digital offer for just 99 cents! Former BPD officers who resold seized drugs released from federal It was really an honor. They talk about being inspired to strive for something beyond picking in the fields. 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. Yes. Police Corruption Scandal in Bakersfield Could Jeopardize Other Disney turned it into a. Read More: Where are BPD Officers Aaron Stringer and Rick Wimbish Now? DAMACIO DIAZ : They said youre fat. And then Disney resigned us and got a better script writer. Now, local prosecutors say the scandal jeopardizes other criminal cases. So I'd have two practices." Copyright 2023 KFSN-TV. The story of McFarland started with a cross-country in the '80s. PE teacher in McFarland, an economically Delaney was the prosecutor in the case. DANNY DIAZ : You know, growing up in McFarland we didnt have much. DANNY DIAZ : That is true. McFarland, USA comes to theaters on Friday, February 20th. [LAUGHS] So, just to let yall know were proud of what Hollywood did and what Niki and the producer and everyone did, but we lived in a very, very strict environment and still do to this day. Diaz was a local celebrity at the time. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Some of these teams that came after us were way better than us, way better than me as far as the running. He will then be subject to three years of supervised release. PDF IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT of - KERO It gave you character. [CHUCKLES] And about two years ago, Mr. White, you help me pull? 'McFarland USA' runner Damacio Diaz gets prison - The Mercury News Former narcotics detective Damacio Diaz has accepted a plea deal in connection with federal charges that could send him to prison for life. Um, Im running my first half marathon soon, and, um, I just wanna know are those hills what you really trained on? 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? He told me to take my wife out on a date or buy my kids something, Diaz would later recall in court papers. 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. This was an all expense paid trip provided by Disney. DAMACIO DIAZ : Yeah, were very, very proud of the way the movie portrayed us, our family. He will have about two months to think about what comes next. This one looks awesome, can't wait to see it. 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." Magallanes then told another drug dealer to dump his phone. Coach White concurred and said their mom even asked why they didnt make her strict enough. Dozens of Coach Jim White's runners ended up going to college or into the armed forces. was like to have a movie made about his Disgraced Bakersfield Police Detective Sentenced To Five Years All Rights Reserved. Then the following season, we were ranked number one for the entire season. victor puentes mcfarland School. Eliu Garza, also a McFarland High runner, is . Jim White moves his family after losing his last job as a football coach, and at his new school he turns seven disappointing students into one of the best cross-country teams in the region. He retired in 2003 after 23 years of coaching boys cross country. Julie and Jami are depicted in the McFarland, USA movie. Clovis PD investigating woman's death, asking public to avoid area. 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.". 2023 Cinemaholic Inc. All rights reserved. Yes. Diaz this summer pleaded guilty to bribery, drug trafficking and tax evasion, and Mara admitted to selling methamphetamine. DAMACIO DIAZ : Us training together, maam? His wife and family, including a brother who works at McFarland high school, all supported him in court Friday afternoon. According to Torres, the federal system will keep Diaz behind bars for more than four years before he becomes eligible for release. Its grown a little bit in the last two, three years but not much has changed. That the judge would even mention such a possibility underscored the unusual nature of the hearing. Not the right Damacio Diaz? Powered by WordPress.com VIP. Hi everyone! And we were running number one all year long. 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. It was such a great experience. They have also lived in Mc Farland, CA and Delano, CA. But in reality the script that was written, we prayed that it would never happen. The. Sunny to partly cloudy. Probe Into Corrupt Cops in Kern County Deepens | KQED Both men are currently in halfway houses, Diaz in the Sacramento area and Mara in the Long Beach area. DAMACIO DIAZ : He was our seventh man actually. I was just running to, to displace other runners and add them more points. "It was damaging. Acting U.S. Atty. 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. White and many other family members and friends were in court to support Diaz. About $15,000 stuck out of Magallanes'. To you culture, um, is all about community and it takes a village to raise a child. Interview with Jim White and the Diaz Brothers for McFarland, USA 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. "I can't say I was going to jump, but I was thinking about my life and why some people would jump. But I still do that and I coach. Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way. Go see it with your family! DAMACIO DIAZ : Go ahead and call it. Ray was arrested in February 2020 and in April 2022, following a four-week trial, he was convicted on several counts. RAW VIDEO: Former BPD detective Damacio Diaz reacts to 5-year - YouTube A drug and corruption scandal has rocked the Bakersfield Police Department. That was the only thing really that they had thats available to show that type of work [for the movie]. DAMACIO DIAZ, by and through his counsel, DAVID A. TORRES, hereby submits Damacio Diaz' Statement in Mitigation for the court's consideration. Coach Jim White Interview & the Diaz Family Looks Back, Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile. Diaz, Damacio Diaz, David Diaz, Diego Diaz was a member of the team that won the state championship. Diaz, a 17-year Bakersfield cop, worked on 32 cases involving 53 defendants, with 20 requiring letters, she said. Is that still happening in McFarland? But, no, they made me chubby or overweight [CHUCKLES] and hecka hella slow [LAUGHS] when you watch the movie. It was indeed the first time that many of the kids ever saw the ocean. True Crime news & latest pictures from Newsweek.com 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. A full house of over three hundred gave a rousing standing ovation to Jim and his wife, Cheryl. In the movie, you [Coach White] spent a day picking in the fields with the boys. DAMACIO DIAZ : Yeah, we just run, Danny and I, just to stay in shape. 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. Jim White is the main character of the sports drama film McFarland, USA. On one occasion, Mrs. Diaz made 200 dozen tamales to send the team to Asia. 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 . 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,. An interview with Jim White, David Diaz, Damacio Diaz and Danny Diaz Thomas Valles | You can't have my job, but I'll tell you a story Damacio Diaz - Address & Phone Number | Whitepages Damacio G Diaz, 50 - Bakersfield, CA - Has Court or Arrest Records 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. 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. 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. Twitter. [LAUGHS] These guys had all the pressure. Still, it was rarely the entire quantity as he, his partner Patrick Mara, as well as an associate, reportedly had this combined side hustle. The relationship between the brothers and Coach White is endearing. picking in the fields. Welcome to Killing County. 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. They couldve chosen any other team, because we have nine state titles. Jim White, David Diaz, Damacio Diaz and Danny Diaz for McFarland, USA. Former Bakersfield Police Department Detective Pleads Guilty to Bribery As well as accepting illegal bribes, Diaz engaged in drug trafficking while with the BPD. 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 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. They work in the school system and believe in. [Asking Danny referring to the last race of the first year]. McFarland, USA: Directed by Niki Caro. With nothing to do in their small town, kidshave two choices: education and sports or the streets. After the interview we were able to get a picture with them. Former detective Patrick Mara was also implicated in the same crime. FRESNO, Calif. Damacio Diaz, 44, of McFarland, formerly a detective with the Bakersfield Police Department, was sentenced today 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, Acting United States Attorney Phillip A. However, he did rebuild the boys and girls cross country programs from the ground up. So we have a lot of uncles and everybody has a lot of kids. to know what it feels like to be Its grapes and its oranges and its almonds and its cotton and stuff in our area, but those werent available. I have seven kids myself and all of us have a lot of kids.
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