Local photojournalist John Harte, who followed the team at the time, says that he witnessed opposing teams offer genuine handshakes of good luck. So, thats a big change. Killing County is scheduled to premiere on Hulu on Friday, February 3. Bakersfield. Coach White took the orders and delivered them. -KGET 17, Yes. Um, Im running my first half marathon soon, and, um, I just wanna know are those hills what you really trained on? I can't wait to see this movie! Former detective Patrick Mara was also. The corruption scandal broke in November 2015 when federal agents arrested Bakersfield Police Detective Damacio Diaz for helping traffic methamphetamines. It was indeed the first time that many of the kids ever saw the ocean. She is preceded in death by her husband Damacio Diaz. Diaz was a local celebrity at the time. Damacio is related to Elizabeth Z Diaz and Delia G Garza as well as 3 additional people. DAMACIO DIAZ : Yeah, we just run, Danny and I, just to stay in shape. Sunny to partly cloudy. My parents definitely pushed us to go that route and not thewide road most people go to is other than college. They became the drug traffickers themselves, he said. "People discovered who I was, what my background was, and I was assaulted by numerous inmates," Diaz told 17 News. Read More: Where are BPD Officers Aaron Stringer and Rick Wimbish Now? September 22, 2016, 12:07 PM. 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. 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. Davids the oldest and he was a bully. Everyone there is excited about the movie and thenotoriety they have been receiving from it. 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. Central Valley. But his chief is ready to turn his back. Damacio stated that they were very proud of the way the movie portrayed their story their family. All seven Diaz children ran for Jim White and all seven went on to . She was amazing in the movie. We were about seven or eight years old when all that began. 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. Damacio Diaz, photo courtesy of Mama Latina Tips. Yes. 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. Soon Diaz and Mara were getting into other illegal activities, authorities said. He did a lot of things for us that our dad couldnt, becauseit financially just wasnt available. Public corruption takes a heavy toll on our communities, and our office remains committed to prosecuting such conduct.". We dont have actually any [CHUCKLES] malls. on their time as cross country runners 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.". In 2018, another man, Noel Carter, from Bakersfield, pleaded guilty to conspiring with Diaz and Mara to distribute drugs, according to federal prosecutors. Danny and Damacio run 3 to 5 miles a day to simply stay in shape. The Bakersfield Californian says (http://bit.ly/2dGESLb) the U.S. Attorneys Office recommended between 17 and 22 years. What is going on here is really outrageous, said criminal defense attorney Mark Geragos. Mr. White had a lot more influence in how this script was written. The U.S. Attorneys Office had recommended a sentence of between roughly 17 and 22 years, but the judge had discretion. Were all a year apart. We were racing big races and trying to accomplish big things, so we looked at Mr. White as our dad. The relationship between the brothers and Coach White is endearing. 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. So , DANNY DIAZ : Mr. White never went back to Stockton never again. White and many other family members and friends were in court to support Diaz. The three Diaz brothers featured in the new Disney movie, David, Damacio and Danny, all speak highly of both of their parents. PrepCalTrack.com conducted this Jim White [LAUGHS] These guys had all the pressure. That was the only thing really that they had thats available to show that type of work [for the movie]. [LAUGHS] And we dont have the big grocery stores. Both had their sentences reduced. Defendant reserves the . Jim White and the Diaz Brothers with our Group for McFarland, USA. Clovis PD investigating woman's death, asking public to avoid area. All Access Digital offer for just 99 cents! 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. This one looks awesome, can't wait to see it. 1972 March 9 - Damacio Diaz birth date 1973 April 17 - Noel Carter birth date 1980 March 16 - Noel Carter birth date 1982 July 15 - Derrick Penney birth date 1986 August 7 - Logan August birth date 1996 August - Damacio Diaz hired by the Tulare Police Department. 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. Whether it be Burglary, Financial Crimes Detail, Homicide, Narcotics Investigations, Sexual Assault, Special Enforcement (Gang), or Vice, he worked in every department at one point or the other. He will have about two months to think about what comes next. Patrick Mara, center, speaks while flanked by attorney Fred Gagliardini. it all made sense. 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. Theres nothing to do in McFarland. [LAUGHS]. Defense attorneys compared the Bakersfield situation to the Los Angeles Police Departments Rampart scandal in the late 1990s, in which corrupt officers tainted cases. Damacio Diaz was released Friday from a halfway house in Sacramento, according to the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Thank you for reading! BAKERSFIELD, Calif. A former Bakersfield Police detective, serving time in prison for his role in a drug ring, has been released. 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. Diaz initially became well-known after the release of 2015 Disney movie, McFarland USA, starring Kevin Costner.. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Assistant U.S. Atty Brian Delaney said Magallanes was arrested in a separate case and told officials about Diaz. Disney turned it into a. 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. Yes. Still, it was rarely the entire quantity as he, his partner Patrick Mara, as well as an associate, reportedly had this combined side hustle. 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). 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,. pic.twitter.com/qKxl7i5dfn. She argued that her husband has learned from his mistakes and should not face any prison time at all. The hearing included impassioned appeals by Diazs brother, wife and daughter, with the two latter witnesses in tears through much of their statements. Is that still happening in McFarland? It was such a great experience. A drug and corruption scandal has rocked the Bakersfield Police Department. DAMACIO DIAZ : The one that took off real fast, you know. - 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. White retired in 2002 afterteaching in McFarland schools for 40 years and coaching for 25 years. That is definitely true. We were raised in the field, it was our life. So Im always looking out for their kids. According to Torres, the federal system will keep Diaz behind bars for more than four years before he becomes eligible for release. 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. Although, David did add that his mom is actually much more strict than she is made to be in the movie. That day I was fifth runner and I felt so much pressure, but you know, lucky we were able to pull it off. And we were running number one all year long. That decision also rocked the Kern County criminal justice system, marking the beginning of an ugly police corruption scandal involving cash, drugs and protection. Hi everyone! No, the real Coach Jim White actually started coaching cross country at McFarland High School in 1980. DANNY DIAZ : We, we love basketball. There is no shame in admitting that this case has kept me awake at night, and few do, ONeill said to the packed courtroom. Damacio Diaz is one of the subjects of new Hulu documentary Killing County. 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. Although, David did add that his mom is actually much more strict than she is made to bein the movie. We shouldve had first. He offers the kids a chance By Laura Donaldson On 2/3/23 at 8:00 AM EST Prosecutors are specifically reexamining cases from 2011 to 2014, when the partners were committing crimes. Mara was released from a halfway house in April after serving a little less than four years in federal prison. 1998 July - Damacio Diaz hired by the Bakersfield Police Department. You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times. This included members of the Bakersfield High Drillers. DAMACIO DIAZ : And if I can add to that. We started picking and hoeing and raking and doing everything you could possibly think of. Damacio Diaz was a subject of the movie McFarland USA and became a Bakersfield police officer. Diaz, a former Bakersfield police detective, is interviewed on camera in Killing County. Im a runner. 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.". 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. It was fat. 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. But he encouraged us to play sports. See Sites with Your Personal Info. In an extraordinary statement, Judge ONeill spoke directly to Diazs daughter, Caroline. My dad has 13 brothers and sisters. And theres not much to do there. 12, The real Jim White and wife Cheryl White actually have three daughters, Tami, Julie and Jami. Read More: Where are BPD Officers Aaron Stringer and Rick Wimbish Now? So, for us it was normal. Kern County Dist. The community of McFarlandis important to them. DAMACIO DIAZ : Mr. White might have more than us. DAMACIO DIAZ : Yeah, were very, very proud of the way the movie portrayed us, our family. They threw it out. 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." We would like your email. My mom has 12. And believe it or not, before he was a coach, hes a scientist. The multi-part documentary is coming to the streaming platform on February 3 and includes first-person interviews with individuals and families plagued by gun violence, officer-involved homicides and other crimes in Bakersfield and Kern County, California. 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. DAVID DIAZ : He was a very inspirational part. Oh, its more than an indiscretion, he said. [CHUCKLES] Same thing happened back in the day when we were kids. The movie is based on the true story of a 1987 cross . In the movie, you [Coach White] spent a day picking in the fields with the boys. -LA Times. went on to college. [LAUGHS]. He is portrayed by Kevin Costner. When the informant left, the narcotics detective found just under $1,000 in the passenger-side door pocket. With nothing to do in their small town, kidshave two choices: education and sports or the streets. Since then, from what we can tell, the 50-year-old has chosen to retire and lead a comfortable yet quiet life in his home county of Kern; he hasnt moved anywhere. All seven Diaz children went to college and all seven returned to McFarland where they live today. How did that impact your lives during high school to move on in the future? His performance at the 1987 state meet did help McFarland lock up the title. And so, I cant keep up with my kids in high school [CHUCKLES], but I go with my little seven-year-old. But federal agents arrested him at work today. [LAUGHS], Kevin Costner and Carlos Pratts in McFarland, USA. Their parents are also highly regarded by each of them and they obviously have a deep love for the family unit. Diaz this summer pleaded guilty to bribery, drug trafficking and tax evasion, and Mara admitted to selling methamphetamine. Damacio Diaz, 44, of McFarland, formerly a detective with the Bakersfield Police Department, was sentenced today to five years in prison for bribery . Along with fellow BPD Detective Patrick Mara, 40, the two were sentenced to five years in federal prison. I feel safe knowing he is in my corner.. . Dozens of Coach Jim White's runners ended up going to college or into the armed forces. They work in the school system and believe in. 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. Theyre looking out for my kids and were trying to police each other, because its very easy to get distracted and go way off course. "I was standing there. They talk about being [LAUGHS] Much worse. It reviewed 87 cases. Diaz then began cooperating with federal investigators and named other cops he said were corrupt. inspired to strive for something beyond 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. Overall though, they agreed that the picker lifestyle and Latino culture of the community was perfectly captured. DANNY DIAZ : That is true. Eguenia was best described by many that 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 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. Atty. And then Disney resigned us and got a better script writer. With Kevin Costner, Ramiro Rodriguez, Carlos Pratts, Johnny Ortiz. Diaz, a former Bakersfield police detective, is interviewed on camera in Killing County. For my son, it pushed him to go to college and do well while he was in high school. Danny Diaz, daughter Delia Diaz, Gabriel We have also done internal investigations on many allegations that were made and once again they have been unable to uncover anything. As you pull into McFarland, you will know notice a silhouette of a runner running through an open field. Therefore, Damacio pleaded guilty to bribery, possession, attempted possession with the intent to distribute, and false income tax returns on May 31, 2016 hed resigned from BPD months prior.