Yes. -LCU.edu, Yes. 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. The community of McFarland still works as a village to raise their youth. My dad has 13 brothers and sisters. According to the California Department of Justice, Diaz and Mara conspired with another man, Noel Carter, 46. Damacio Diaz. It reviewed 87 cases. DAMACIO DIAZ : Go ahead and call it. DANNY DIAZ : Absolutely. We didnt have that close to us. 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. Some, like David Diaz, became teachers themselves. They threw it out. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Many of the citizens of McFarland were extras in the movie. 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." However, he had been a teacher in the McFarland School District since 1964, following his graduation from Pepperdine University. Defendant reserves the . Do you feel like the movie does a good job of describing that culture (of family and pickers)? In fact, a blink of an eye as you drive down Highway 99 in California and you will miss it. Is that still happening in McFarland? White and many other family members and friends were in court to support Diaz. 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. PrepCalTrack.com conducted this Jim White He will then be subject to three years of supervised release. In an extraordinary statement, Judge ONeill spoke directly to Diazs daughter, Caroline. 6:40 p.m. Oct. 25, 2016: A previous version of this article said the district attorneys office reviewed 108 cases involving the detectives. They couldve chosen any other team, because we have nine state titles. Get Morning Report and other email newsletters. The real Jim White and wife Cheryl White actually have three daughters, Tami, Julie and Jami. Fun fact: Rafael Martinez, who plays David Diaz in the movie, is one of my closest friends even to this day! It was fat. BAKERSFIELD, Calif. A former Bakersfield Police detective, serving time in prison for his role in a drug ring, has been released. Thats what they wanted to do and Im just excited to be included in the movie. Carter was also ordered to pay $70,513 in restitution to his former employerwho he admitted to embezzling money fromand to forfeit $286,251 in proceeds from drug trafficking, according to federal prosecutors. . Disgraced cop's 5-year sentence a fraction of prosection's recommendation, Corrupt cops compel Kern DA to inform defense attorneys about 'tainted' cases. 12, The real Jim White and wife Cheryl White actually have three daughters, Tami, Julie and Jami. Kern County Dist. The Feds arrested him at the department Friday morning and removed evidence. An elderly couple from Las Vegas were found dead earlier this month in Death Valley National Park, law enforcement officials said. On that day, Leopoldo became a man. 2023 Cinemaholic Inc. All rights reserved. Disgraced former Bakersfield Police Department detective Damacio Diaz, one of the real-life heroes of the movie "McFarland USA," was sentenced Monday in U . 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. We don't know that anyone was physically injured as a result of it, fortunately. I didn't want to go home," says Thomas. Diaz initially became well-known after the release of 2015 Disney movie, McFarland USA, starring Kevin Costner. Danny Diaz was not overweight, but he was the seventh runner on the team. The relationship between the brothers and Coach White is endearing. Damacio Diaz is one of the subjects of new Hulu documentary Killing County. JIM WHITE : Let, let me add one thing to that. [CHUCKLES] When we were growing up, maybe seven, eight, nine, ten thousand people is the population. 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. About $15,000 stuck out of Magallanes'. The love they genuinely have for him was heartfelt and true. 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. It was really an honor. The U.S. Attorneys Office had recommended a sentence of between roughly 17 and 22 years, but the judge had discretion. After his father left, Leopoldo and his mother decided to pack . White retired in 2002 afterteaching in McFarland schools for 40 years and coaching for 25 years. We run three, four, five miles a day just to stay in shape. inspired to strive for something beyond DAVID DIAZ : And just to let you know, um, Gods good and we own almonds now. So, for us it was normal. It was such a great experience. Diaz pleaded guilty last spring as part of a plea agreement that became public in May. 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. I still race competitively even though youre not as good as you once were. DAMACIO DIAZ : Yeah, we just run, Danny and I, just to stay in shape. These were the guys running in the California heat and winning state titles. "It was damaging. Local photojournalist John Harte, who followed the team at the time, says that he witnessed opposing teams offer genuine handshakes of good luck. And so, we have kids that are in high school and some that are in elementary school. Kevin Costner and others picking in the fields in McFarland, USA. And we were part of the Royal Rangers andwe did that on Tuesday nights at our local church. The district attorneys office is prepared to retry the cases if necessary, Assistant Dist. 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. So hes a very knowledgeable guy. We shouldve had first. He must report to federal authorities before 2 p.m. Dec. 5 to begin serving his sentence. But U.S. Atty. Diazs attorney, David Torres, was clearly relieved by the judges decision. And theres not much to do there. Damacio Diaz, right, shakes hands with Tomas Valles as the team readies for the start of the Southern section championships in the 1987 season. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Diaz, and father and mother Paul and 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. DAVID DIAZ : Uh, we donttrain. Did Coach White encourage you to use any of his style when youre teaching or coaching? Did that change how you ran in future races? DAVID DIAZ : Not at all. Yet this fraud used his position for gain and greed. This hearing is not about telling someone they are no good, ONeill 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. Magallanes then told another drug dealer to dump his phone. 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. No. Diaz, a former Bakersfield police detective, is interviewed on camera in Killing County. The legendary former McFarland [LAUGHS] Theymade me, uh . 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. We all feel grateful and the whole communitys just embracing it. How often do you guys still train together with the new students? 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. As well as accepting illegal bribes, Diaz engaged in drug trafficking while with the BPD. They talk about being 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. David Diaz is behind Victor wearing a white t-shirt and McFarland hat. Damacio Diaz, 44, of McFarland, formerly a detective with the Bakersfield Police Department, was sentenced today to five years in prison for bribery . Scott Spielman said. They are amazing guys who still have that humble hardworking attitude! Coach White concurred and said their mom even asked why they didnt make her strict enough. Though according to Damacios own account in the Hulu production, his dreams and aspirations took a complete turn once he witnessed some adrenaline-pumping, actual police work first-hand. Would they flee bargain the same way with non-police criminals? 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. Plus I love Kevin Costner! Copyright 2020 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. That is why it was so amazing and cool that I got to interview Jim White, David Diaz, Damacio Diaz, and Danny Diaz. 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. We [LAUGHS], we played basket. Danny and Damacio run 3 to 5 miles a day to simply stay in shape. 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 : Our kids all compete. 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. Coach Jim White Interview & the Diaz Family Looks Back, Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile. Davids the oldest and he was a bully. 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. Yes. 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. 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. It gave you character. According to the National Park Service, citing law enforcement officials, the husband and wife were discovered on Jan. 13. We basically told our story, got interviewed for hours and hour and hours, and that was pretty much it. Thats why we had the sixth and seventh runner on a team. Theres nothing to do in McFarland. And he told me I want them to get their education, so I will go back and get my education. Diaz was a local celebrity at the time. 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[LAUGHS]. DANNY DIAZ : Once you give them your story, obviously you sign with them. He got into the truck and began to talk with Coach White about his difficulties at home. FRESNO, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) Former Bakersfield police detective Damacio Diaz was sentenced Monday in federal court to five years in prison. 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. Still, Williamson said, the corrupt detectives had eroded trust with the community. PE teacher in McFarland, an economically 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. Learn how your comment data is processed. His partner, Patrick Mara, admitted to selling methamphetamine. Copyright 2023 KFSN-TV. [CHUCKLES] And about two years ago, Mr. White, you help me pull? Diaz, a 17-year Bakersfield cop, worked on 32 cases involving 53 defendants, with 20 requiring letters, she said. 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. children ran for Jim White and all seven 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. 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 assisted a narcotics dealer in the operation of the dea . So, it was a big deal for us. 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. Winds WNW at 10 to 20 mph.. Youre driving on 99, the freeway, and you blink and youll miss it. That the judge would even mention such a possibility underscored the unusual nature of the hearing. Their city logo and motto have both been refreshed to express the new outlook of their community. Source: YouTube/KGET Article continues below advertisement 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. The. And thatsthe one we have now. These men were the real life inspirations for McFarland USA. 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). JIM WHITE : Thomas. They have also lived in Mc Farland, CA and Delano, CA. The. A full house of over three hundred gave a rousing standing ovation to Jim and his wife, Cheryl. Coach White took the orders and delivered them. When one of Diazs attorneys used the word indiscretion to describe Diazs misdeeds, ONeill interrupted. 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. 1999 - 2000 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). He says that It is a day I truly regret and a decision that has changed my entire life.. Damacio Diaz pleaded guilty to bribery, drugtrafficking and tax evasion. We were about seven or eight years old when all that began. All seven Diaz children ran for Jim White and all seven went on to . experience coaching the team. We run once in a whileamongst, DAVID DIAZ : ourselves. 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. Wife of public defender who died at Mexico resort speaks out. Thank you for reading! 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. Primary filming took place in McFarland, California in 2013. - 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. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Jim White is to Thomas' right and Gary Adams is to White's right. And so, its just a fun place to be. His wife and family, including a brother who works at McFarland high school, all supported him in court Friday afternoon. But Bakersfield Police Chief Greg Williamson said the federal and internal inquiries after 18 months cleared them all.

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