A U.S. district judge ordered Diaz to begin serving his sentence on Dec. 5. Diaz had a life that afforded him many opportunities, including the opportunity to serve and protect his community as an officer of the law, said Phillip A. Talbert, the acting U.S. attorney for Californias eastern district. Is Netflix, Amazon, Fandor, iTunes, etc. 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 . Secure .gov websites use HTTPS 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." This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. It was back in 1987 when Damacio Diaz inadvertently became a local celebrity of sorts owing to the way he built McFarland High Schools winning cross-country dynasty alongside his two brothers. But talking to the Diaz brothers, and every runner for McFarland, I saw something deeper: a type of bond that forms only when people are pushed to their physical and mental limits. 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,. 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, according to the U.S. attorneys office. BAKERSFIELD, Calif. An ex-detective who had been on the championship 1987 track team depicted in the . Following Diaz and Maras indictment in October 2016, Damacio was released from a halfway house in Sacramento in May 2020, perKGET. Sacramento, CA. Our experts predict every series, Memphis wasn't 'fine in the West' -- getting there hinges on massive culture questions, Why the Lakers' real test begins now, after dispatching the No. Mejia was a Pulitzer Prize finalist in 2021 in local reporting for her investigation with colleague Jack Dolan that exposed failures in Los Angeles Countys safety-net healthcare system. Actor Danny Mora attends the premiere of Disney's "McFarland, USA" at the El Capitan Theatre on February 9, 2015 in Hollywood, California. As well as accepting illegal bribes, Diaz engaged in drug trafficking while with the BPD. Learn more about the full cast of McFarland, USA with news, photos, videos and more at TV Guide . A South Valley legend so popular he became the subject of a Disney movie has taken a hard fall. He actually skipped school to make the audition but has no regrets about it. Three out of the seven young McFarland USA cast actors on the team in the movie are from the McFarland areaSergio Avelar who plays Victor Puentes and Michael Aguero, cast as Damacio Diaz, are actual runners and Ramiro Rodriguez, as Danny Diaz, was a champion soccer player. U.S. Attorney's Office, Eastern District of California, Domestic Violence, Child Exploitation, and Human Trafficking Prevention, Former Bakersfield Police Department Detective Sentenced to 5 Years in Prison for Bribery, Drug Trafficking, and Filing a False Tax Return, Former State Employee Sentenced to 12 months in Prison for Role in $2 Million Scheme to Defraud the Office of AIDS, Eastern District of California Completes Prosecution of 20 Defendants in DMV Corruption Cases, Bay Area Men Charged with Bribing a Vallejo City Official. Similar to Diaz, Mara pled guilty to stealing narcotics such as methamphetamine and marijuana to give to Noel Carter for profit. The film tells a fictionalized version of the McFarland High School cross-country team's 1987 race to victory. Actor 59 Credits. It actually helped him put up the championship banners that crowd the front of the school's gymnasium, just a few hundred yards from that one stoplight. 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. Kevin Costner. 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. Talbert announced. 95814, Telephone:(916) 554-2700 the chemistry you see on screen is exactly what we are in real life if not more. 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. 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. For each of them, watching their small town suddenly be on the map has been a blessing. We love each other as brothers and we never lost that connection. The FBI and its federal law enforcement partners will continue to identify and investigate individuals who violate their oath of service and ignore the commitment they made to their communities.. Damacio Diaz, one of the three "running Diaz" brothers who helped build the McFarland . McFARLAND, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) - Officers agree that the indictment of Detective Damacio Diaz gives a black eye to the Bakersfield Police Department, but in the city of McFarland the damage could . 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. The sentence given to Damacio Diaz on Monday was more lenient than prosecutors had urged for the 17-year veteran of the Bakersfield Police Department. BAKERSFIELD, CADamacio Diaz, 43, of McFarland, a detective with the Bakersfield Police Department (BPD) was arrested today, charged with abusing his position of trust as a police detective when . Keep an eye on your inbox for updates. The sentence received Monday was more lenient than prosecutors had urged for Damacio Diaz, a 17-year veteran of the Bakersfield Police Department. Find Danny Mcfarland stock photos and editorial news pictures from Getty Images. 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. Welcome to Killing County. McFarland USA . That's food off our table.". Still, it was rarely the entire quantity as he, his partner Patrick Mara, as well as an associate, reportedly had this combined side hustle. 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. He shares "screenplay by" credit on "McFarland, USA," directed by Niki Caro and starring Kevin Costner. Diaz and Mara maintained possession of the remaining nine pounds of methamphetamine, and they ultimately sold it for their own personal gain. In 2016, one of the real-life McFarland runners, Damacio Diaz, was sentenced to five years in prison for taking bribes and selling drugs while he was a Bakersfield police detective. As it turns out, Ramirez was an informant at the behest of Damacio Diaz and Patrick Mara. Its really coming together and being a community[the way]it should be.. A week later, Diaz booked approximately one pound of methamphetamine from the vehicle stop into evidence. From left to right: Thomas Valles, Victor Puentes, Damacio Diaz, Johnny Samaniego, Jose Cardenas, Danny Diaz . 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. "McFarland, USA" is inspired by a 1987 true story, in which an unlikely band of inexperienced, under-equipped, young Latino runners with exceptional determination rise to become cross-country state champions under the leadership of their coach, Jim White. What Happened to Damacio Diaz? Former Bakersfield police detective Damacio Diaz was sentenced Monday in federal court to five years in prison.He pleaded guilty earlier this year to charges. . Damacio Diaz. Where are BPD Officers Aaron Stringer and Rick Wimbish Now. Find where to watch movies online now! It has been life-changing for these young men. McFarland USA was released earlier this year and tells the journey of coach Jim White, played by actor Kevin Costner. Follow these guys to see where they are headed next! Damacio Diaz, who was featured in the movie McFarland, USA and is currently a detective with the Bakersfield Police Department, has been arrested on bribery and drug trafficking charges. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. Diaz was charged with assisting a drug dealer and providing him with names of police informants, and with trafficking drugs that had been seized for evidence. He was staying at the halfway house after serving his time. The DOJ said Diaz and Mara deliberately failed to submit seized drugs as evidence and instead provided the stolen narcotics to Carter. They just did so at night, after seven hours of school and seven more hours of backbreaking work in the fields. For more California news, follow @brittny_mejia. He stated, Working with Kevin was amazing and the way hetreats people, so honestly and so openly, as a youngactor, it was great to see and really helped meunderstand the kind of man I want to be. The docuseries, which is being executive produced byColin Kaepernick, follows a tale of corruption in a California police department. Kevin Costner arrives at the world premiere of "McFarland, USA" held at the El Capitan Theatre on February 9, 2015 in Hollywood, California. Ramiro sat 1:1 with me as we talked about challenging ourselves to try new things (ironically this is his first film and my first 1:1 interview, ever), getting a part he never intended to audition for, and why it's important to share Danny's story with . The trio honestly had an unwavering determination in their efforts despite being mere teenagers at the time, and thats what eventually inspired the 2015 Disney sports drama film McFarland, USA. However, the former chose to pursue General Education as a field of study instead of focusing on his athleticism upon graduation because he apparently hoped to establish his career as a teacher. There's a reason for that. THE Danny Diaz in McFarland, USA. Greed was a major motivation for Diaz to begin making unfortunate decisions that brought him to conspire with drug dealers and accept bribes for money. Copyright 2020 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Contribute to this page. Jamie White. He says he walked away from a lifestyle filled with heartache and gangs. Diaz continued to operate the informant even though he was fully aware of the informants ongoing criminal activity. The search uncovered an ice chest containing approximately 10 pounds of methamphetamine divided into multiple bags. The Bakersfield Police Department is committed to building and maintaining public trust by holding our employees accountable for their actions and we will continue to provide quality service to our community. Family is especially important in McFarland, as it is in many ethnic cultures in this country. . The 44-year-old Damacio Diaz was a 17-year veteran of the department Associated Press. It's worth noting that when I interviewed the entire Diaz family, I did so in their large, comfortable house that was built by hand, on land that the family now owns. The highest homicide rate The most crime. 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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. The former NFL player is an executive producer on Hulu's "Killing County.". The latest true crime docuseries from ABC News Studios isKilling County,whicharrives onHuluon Feb. 3. The highest homicide rate The most crime. David, Damacio and Danny Diaz all ran for coach Jim White on McFarland High's first state championship team in 1987, a journey portrayed in the film, "McFarland, USA." . To a man, each of these brothers credits his unique endurance to a childhood spent picking almonds and grapes in the massive fields that stretch out to the horizon in all directions from their town. Mara was released from a halfway house in April after serving a little less than four years in federal prison. Ramiro Rodriguez pictured with Rafael Martinez ("David Diaz) and Michael Aguero ("Damacio Diaz") at the McFarland USA press conference. Fax Line:(916) 554-2900. McFarland, USA is already in theaters and doing well! The film tells a fictionalized version of the McFarland High School cross-country teams 1987 race to victory. 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. A lock ( We would like your email. Just ask Danny, David or Damacio Diaz, who, along with their 1987 cross country teammates are portrayed in the new movie, "McFarland, USA," about the unlikely rise of a high school cross . Yosemite Valley fully reopens after forecasted flooding falls short, 19 people displaced after apartment fire in SE Fresno, American Airlines pilots vote to authorize strike. 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. In February 2015, he attended the film's world premiere. Find Danny Mcfarlane stock photos and editorial news pictures from Getty Images. Get Morning Report and other email newsletters. At the time of the crimes, he was working with the Drug Enforcement Administration Task Force and the Southern Tri-County Task Force of the Central Valley High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area. When Rodriguez arrived at the auditions, Caro got a call from the producer saying the right person . A $300-million (minimum) gondola to Dodger Stadium? 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. Assistant United States Attorneys Brian K. Delaney and Angela Scott prosecuted the case. February 18, 2015 By // by Coralie 6 Comments. Not to mention, he has become one of my familys best friends! We don't know that anyone was physically injured as a result of it, fortunately. This means in April 2023, Damacio and Courtney will be celebrating their 17th wedding anniversary. The only reason Im telling that story is because that person is the person that we spent 4 months with. 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. Greed was a major motivation for Diaz to begin making unfortunate decisions that brought him to conspire with drug dealers and accept bribes for money. "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. 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 . Public corruption takes a heavy toll on our communities, and our office remains committed to prosecuting such conduct., Bakersfield Chief of Police Williams stated: I appreciate the efforts of all agencies involved in this lengthy and exhaustive investigation and I am thoroughly satisfied with the ultimate conviction of Damacio Diaz. "It was damaging. Diaz pleaded guilty to the charges on May 31, 2016. People are now proud to say theyre from McFarland. Powered by WordPress.com VIP. Diaz initially became well-known after the release of 2015 Disney movie, McFarland USA, starring Kevin Costner. Read More: Where are BPD Officers Aaron Stringer and Rick Wimbish Now? The Bakersfield Police Department is committed to building and maintaining public trust by holding our employees accountable for their actions and we will continue to provide quality service to our community. The BPD dog handler did not seize any of the drugs from the vehicle, but turned the scene over to Diaz and Mara to secure the methamphetamine and oversee the investigation of the incident. Then something changed, Most of Yosemite Valley is closed due to potentially perilous snowpack and flooding, Four dead in apparent mass shooting in Mojave, What was behind the protest against an archaeologist at last weeks L.A. Times Book Festival, Column: If not cops or guns, what will it take to make us feel safe? The Bakersfield Californian says (http://bit.ly/2dGESLb) the U.S. Attorneys Office recommended between 17 and 22 years. Learn more about contributing; Edit page. ), At Willie Nelson 90, country, rock and rap stars pay tribute, but Willie and Trigger steal the show, Concertgoer lets out a loud full body orgasm while L.A. Phil plays Tchaikovskys 5th, Plaschke: Lakers live up to their legacy with a close-out win for the ages, L.A. Affairs: I had my reasons for not dating white men. Diaz and Mara maintained possession of the remaining nine pounds of methamphetamine, and they ultimately sold it for their own personal gain. Their foreman was also their father, but their true taskmaster was their mother. Julie is a smart, determined young girl who loves running. 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. She is the daughter of the lead character, Jim White, and his wife, Cheryl. Broncos pick up Jeudy's 5th-year rookie option, Flames fire coach Sutter after three seasons, Bills ink vet Murray after passing on RBs in draft, College baseball player hit by stray bullet at game, USF RB facing charge for felony domestic battery, Panthers limit ticket sales to block Leafs fans, Kealia, J.J. Watt invest in PL-bound Burnley, LB Barrett's 2-year-old daughter drowns in pool, 'It's going to be epic': Stephen Curry and LeBron James face off -- again, Fantasy football rankings for 2023 season, 10 fantasy football breakout players for 2023. Earlier this year, Diaz one of the three Diaz brothers depicted in the 2015 Disney film about the Central Valley team that won the state championship admitted to lying on his tax returns and accepting bribes from a criminal informant in return for information about police during a three-year period starting in 2012, according to the U.S. attorneys office. streaming McFarland, USA? In professional sports, team chemistry is massively valuable and nearly impossible to intentionally construct. And not just ANY role the role of Danny Diaz. In 2018, another man, Noel Carter, from Bakersfield, pleaded guilty to conspiring with Diaz and Mara to distribute drugs, according to federal prosecutors. This case was the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, and the Bakersfield Police Department. Thanks! McFarland, USA. I am excited to share with you another great interview from my McFarland, USA press trip. Cop depicted in movie 'McFarland USA' pleads guilty to bribery, drug charges. It was back in 1987 when Damacio Diaz inadvertently became a local celebrity of sorts owing to the way he built McFarland High School's winning cross-country dynasty alongside his two brothers. She is inspired by her father's passion for running and works hard to be the best athlete she can be. Yes, the McFarland High boys did win a team title at the first CIF-State Cross . 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. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Diaz was one of the real-life members of the team. "The embarrassment is just going to keep growing over this," Laura Harth, the campaign director at Safeguard Defenders, told Newsweek.
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