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. 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. the chemistry you see on screen is exactly what we are in real life if not more. The former narcotics officer is now known, however, for going to prison in 2016 for charges tied to drugs, bribery and tax fraud. I cannot express how much I already love this movie and the actors in it. Heres what we know. 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. The search uncovered an ice chest containing approximately 10 pounds of methamphetamine divided into multiple bags. Actor known for playing Damacio Diaz in the 2015 sports drama film McFarland, USA. Only then did they "get to" do 10 half-mile repeats at a 2:45 clip straight uphill. Thanks! But federal agents arrested him at work today. Sure. Yes, the McFarland High boys did win a team title at the first CIF-State Cross . The former NFL player is an executive producer on Hulu's "Killing County.". 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. 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. Caro had a particularly hard time finding the right actor to play McFarland runner Danny Diaz. He actually skipped school to make the audition but has no regrets about it. The film tells a fictionalized version of the McFarland High School cross-country team's 1987 race to victory. 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 . Damacio Diaz in a Bakersfield Police Dept. Mara pleaded guilty to related charges in June and is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 17. Diaz and Mara maintained possession of the remaining nine pounds of methamphetamine, and they ultimately sold it for their own personal gain. Over the years, the Diazes used that work ethic to put one foot in front of the other long enough to achieve success in agriculture, law enforcement and education. Based on the true story of a 1987 cross country team from a mainly Latino high . 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. This means in April 2023, Damacio and Courtney will be celebrating their 17th wedding anniversary. 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. According to the plea agreement, Diaz also filed a joint income tax return for the calendar year 2012 that falsely reported total income of $168,485 and did not include additional income of at least $97,900. . This football coach arrived in town and figured out that the work ethic and stamina forged in the fields would translate better to distance running. One of his coachessince elementarywas the real Thomas Valles (played by Carlos Pratts). Damacio Diaz, whose story was told in a Disney movie about a high school cross-country team, admitted to accepting bribes and drug offenses, federal prosecutors said. They are the real-deal and its inspiringto see their interactions even when they are not on camera together. That's food off our table.". It has been life-changing for these young men. In addition to Ramiro,Sergio Avelar (Victor Puentes) is also an actual runner and member of the McFarland Track Club. He was staying at the halfway house after serving his time. Kevin Costner arrives at the world premiere of "McFarland, USA" held at the El Capitan Theatre on February 9, 2015 in Hollywood, California. Principal Camillo: Danny Mora . 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. 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. The pair were sentenced in federal . BPD said that Ramirez was with Harger when the police arrived, and Harger began firing at the officers, prompting the officers to fire back. 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. TheCalifornia Department of Justicenotes that Damacio Diaz and Patrick Mara conspired with businessman Noel Carter, where they deliberately failed to submit the seized drugs into the BPD evidence room, and instead provided the stolen narcotics to Carter so Carter could sell those narcotics for profit.. Mr. Ortiz believes that if he can do it anyone can. 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.. Copyright 2023 KFSN-TV. Former detective Patrick Mara was also implicated in the same crime. 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. . Damacio Diaz, 43, of McFarland, California, a detective with the Bakersfield, California, Police Department (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 U.S. Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner of the Eastern District of California . ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. The 44-year-old Damacio Diaz was a 17-year veteran of the department. For a general manager, isolating this trait is the white whale. 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. Diaz, a former Bakersfield police detective, is interviewed on camera in Killing County. On September 20, 2012, while on duty, Diaz stopped a vehicle operated by two individuals from Yakima, Washington and used a BPD dog handler and police dog to search the vehicle. From left to right: Thomas Valles, Victor Puentes, Damacio Diaz, Johnny Samaniego, Jose Cardenas, Danny Diaz . Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way. He broke the chain because he didnt want to live that life or go down that path. Ramiro Rodriguez had no intention of auditioning when he agreed to . According to court documents, between April 2012 and February 2015, while employed as a police officer with the Bakersfield Police Department (BPD), Diaz handled a criminal informant who was involved in the large-scale sale and distribution of methamphetamine. Damacio Diaz, right, shakes hands with Tomas Valles as the team readies for the start of the Southern section championships in the 1987 season. McFarland, USA is already in theaters and doing well! 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 . A true crime thriller we made set in Kevin McCarthys district. Find Danny Mcfarlane stock photos and editorial news pictures from Getty Images. Damacio Diaz is married to his wife Courtney Diaz. They just did so at night, after seven hours of school and seven more hours of backbreaking work in the fields. Read More: Where are BPD Officers Aaron Stringer and Rick Wimbish Now? 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. His his first time seeing the ocean was while he was filming McFarland, USA. Select from premium Danny Mcfarland of the highest quality. If you havent seen McFarland, USA yet why not? Select from premium Danny Mcfarlane of the highest quality. Seor Diaz: Valente Rodriguez . . Dear Abby: I have a great life, so why have I fallen into this shameful behavior? As well as accepting illegal bribes, Diaz engaged in drug trafficking while with the BPD. "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. 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. 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. Actor: McFarland, USA. 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. ), 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. 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. We appreciate the support we have been given throughout this investigation and wish to thank the community for their patience and understanding., DEA Special Agent in Charge John J. Martin stated, Damacio Diaz committed crimes in a community he took an oath to serve and protect. Is Netflix, Amazon, Now TV, ITV, iTunes, etc. IRS-CI will continue to work with our law enforcement partners and the United States Attorneys Office to investigate these types of crimes that have a negative impact on our communities and the American Taxpayer., Diaz's illegal activity caused irreparable damage to his reputation, put the lives of others at risk, undermined public trust in the Bakersfield Police Department, and facilitated criminal activity, said Special Agent in Charge Monica M. Miller of the FBI Sacramento field office. Google ' McFarland USA fact vs. fiction' and you get quite a few options that separate the true story of the upstart cross country program at the rural Central California high school and Hollywood's spin on it in the 2015 film starring Kevin Costner as coach Jim White. 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. streaming McFarland, USA? He also coached their sister, Delia, and three more brothers -- Diego, Dario and Gabriel -- through the years. McFarland USA was released earlier this year and tells the journey of coach Jim White, played by actor Kevin Costner. Diazs former partner, Patrick Mara, 36, of Bakersfield pleaded guilty to related charges on June 20, 2016, and is scheduled to be sentenced on October 17, 2016. The married couple exchanged their wedding vows in April 2006. Before Fame. Damacio Diaz Wife. Did Pats make Mac Jones happy? She is the daughter of the lead character, Jim White, and his wife, Cheryl. 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 . The behavior and criminal activity that was exposed during this comprehensive investigation is in no way reflective of the commitment and remarkable public service the over 500 employees of the Bakersfield Police Department provide to our community on a consistent basis. Official websites use .gov 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 . As a detective in Bakersfield, Calif., Damacio Diaz rose to national attention after the film McFarland, USA, was released in 2015. Carloseven told a story about how well Kevin Costner bonded with his9 year old brother. In doing so, he betrayed the trust of the public and his fellow officers., Damacio Diaz used his lawful authority as a sworn peace officer with the Bakersfield Police Department to illegally enrich his self-interests, said Michael T. Batdorf, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation. Plus this actor,Ramiro Rodriguez, is a real-life champion soccer player from the McFarland area. 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. It opens nationwide Feb. 20. 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,. When they said cut, it was still there.. Diaz was released from prison in May 2020. gun violence, officer-involved homicides and other crime, Colin Kaepernick is an executive producer, SCOTUS Now Just Another Congressional Committee, Secret Chinese Police Stations in Europe Are 'Tip of the Iceberg', Trump's Attorney Just Blew Carroll Rape Case, King Charles Says Royals Require 'Acting Ability', Ukraine Will Regain 'Significant Territory' From Russia, Florida GOP Paves the Way to Help Ron DeSantis Challenge Trump. 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. Julie is one of the main characters in the 2015 Disney sports drama McFarland, USA. When Rodriguez arrived at the auditions, Caro got a call from the producer saying the right person . 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. KGETsays he was also ordered to pay $70,513 in restitution as a result and $286,251 in proceeds from drug trafficking. Keep an eye on your inbox for updates. BAKERSFIELD, Calif. - An ex-detective who was on the championship 1987 track team depicted in the movie "McFarland USA" has been sentenced to . The 44-year-old Damacio Diaz was a 17-year veteran of the department Associated Press. 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. This case is finally over, and we are extremely blessed and happy to announce that we are victorious, Diaz said. Damacio Diaz was released Friday from a halfway house in Sacramento. 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. The movie pushes up his arrival and coaching position at McFarland to 1987, the first year his cross country team attended and won the state championship (1987 was also the very first year that California had a state championship). Movies. 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. 2 Grizzlies, LIVE Transfer Talk: Man United, PSG to battle for Abraham, Bayern back in charge, Yamal makes history, Napoli's party spoiled: Weekend Review. What each of the guys were not prepared for was the amount of running duringthe filming. In fact, he had moved 12 times before he turned 18 and wasn't sure he'd ever find a place to lay down roots. See agents for this cast & crew on IMDbPro Directed by . In addition to accepting illegal bribes, Diaz also engaged in drug trafficking while with the BPD. 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 . In doing so, he betrayed the trust of the public and his fellow officers., Damacio Diaz used his lawful authority as a sworn peace officer with the Bakersfield Police Department to illegally enrich his self-interests, said Michael T. Batdorf, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation. Rooney Mara's Children: Who Is Rooney Mara Married To? Diaz initially became well-known after the release of 2015 Disney movie, McFarland USA, starring Kevin Costner.. The only thing that separates us is the color of our skin, so we should try to treat each other equally., For Johnny, he wants people to take away these four ideals when they walk out of the theater:motivation, dedication, inspiration, and anythings possible.. Similar to Diaz, Mara pled guilty to stealing narcotics such as methamphetamine and marijuana to give to Noel Carter for profit. NFL Player Patrick Mahomes' Net, Is Patrick Gibson In A Relationship and Who Has He Dated?, Is YouTube Gaming Killing Twitch? In professional sports, team chemistry is massively valuable and nearly impossible to intentionally construct. But you will learn that he, and the other 6 runners, are actually much more than that. But there was something else, something less obvious, that would help create an athletic dynasty that would win nine California state titles within 14 years. Meet, How Rich Is Patrick Mahomes? Go see it! They still hang out and text each other. 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. Disgraced former Bakersfield Police Department detective Damacio Diaz, one of the real-life heroes of the movie "McFarland USA," was sentenced Monday in U . Damacio Diaz; 2015; Related news. Niki Caro Writing Credits . The behavior and criminal activity that was exposed during this comprehensive investigation is in no way reflective of the commitment and remarkable public service the over 500 employees of the Bakersfield Police Department provide to our community on a consistent basis. Can street race king Perez challenge Verstappen for the title? There used to be a lot of crime back then, like gangsters and stuff, but now its really holding down its spot for the national spotlight. All of that, plus the number of takes to get a shot, added up to much more than an actual 5K for these guys. Diazs former partner, Patrick Mara, 36, of Bakersfield pleaded guilty to related charges on June 20, 2016, and is scheduled to be sentenced on October 17, 2016. In May 2020, Diaz was released from a halfway house in Sacramento, where he was staying after serving his time. Also new to acting wasRafaelMartinez (David Diaz). According to the California Department of Justice, Diaz and Mara conspired with another man, Noel Carter, 46. After sentencing, Diaz spoke with reporters outside the federal courthouse in Fresno. Damacio Diaz (R) and guest attend the Bakersfield Special Screening of "McFarland, USA" in Bakersfield, CA on Feb. 15th, 2015. As a detective in Bakersfield, Calif., Damacio Diaz rose to national attention after the film McFarland, USA, was released in 2015.The film tells a fictionalized version of the McFarland High . Oakland As reliever opens up about anxiety: Its something Ive struggled with, Can 49ers win Super Bowl with rookie kicker? pic.twitter.com/qKxl7i5dfn. A South Valley legend so popular he became the subject of a Disney movie has taken a hard fall. If you've played any sport at any level, then you've probably sacrificed to a certain extent -- running suicides in basketball, Oklahoma drills in football. There's a reason for that. Welcome to Killing County. Actor Danny Mora attends the premiere of Disney's "McFarland, USA" at the El Capitan Theatre on February 9, 2015 in Hollywood, California. A former Bakersfield Police detective, serving time in prison for his role in a drug ring, has been released. Hanging out with them in the interview room, you could definitely see that connection. Is Netflix, Amazon, Fandor, iTunes, etc. Finally, Carlos, who plated Thomas Valles, knew everyone would want to know what it was like working with Kevin Costner. Why did he share it? It was such a great experience. 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. How Palm Springs ran out Black and Latino families to build a fantasy for rich, white people, 17 SoCal hiking trails that are blooming with wildflowers (but probably not for long! Where are BPD Officers Aaron Stringer and Rick Wimbish Now. Damacio Diaz: Diana Maria Riva . 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. Assistant United States Attorneys Brian K. Delaney and Angela Scott prosecuted the case. Powered by WordPress.com VIP. According to court documents, while employed as a police officer with the Bakersfield Police Department (BPD), Diaz handled a criminal informant, for nearly three years between April 2012 and February 2015, who was involved in the large-scale sale and distribution of the drug methamphetamine. 32 lingering post-draft questions: Will Lions have regrets? Have a question about Government Services? Reportedly born in March 1972, Damacio Diaz is 50 years old (as of Jan 2023). Diaz was released from prison in May 2020. 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), First Republic Bank seized, sold to JPMorgan Chase, McFarland USA runner gets prison for corruption as police detective. Diaz pleaded guilty to the charges on May 31, 2016. 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 only reason Im telling that story is because that person is the person that we spent 4 months with. Diaz, whose role on McFarland High School's 1987 championship cross country team was documented in the film [] BAKERSFIELD, Calif. An ex-detective who had been on the championship 1987 track team depicted in the . We would like your email. Damacio Diaz was a subject of the movie McFarland USA and became a Bakersfield police officer. 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. U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. ONeill ordered Diaz to begin serving his sentence on December 5, 2016. McFarland, USA (2015) Full Cast & Crew. Diaz violated not only the trust of this organization but that of this community. 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. L.A. has a new answer, Epic snowpack upends rhythms of life for many species in Sierra Nevada range, Decades of failures leave L.A. County facing up to $3 billion in sex abuse claims. His career as a detective was relatively uneventful until Jorge Ramirez, Jr. was shot by Bakersfield . Damacio Diaz of McFarland cross country fame admits to police corruption and drug charges, faces federal prison. Brittny Mejia is a Metro reporter who joined the Los Angeles Times in 2014. HOLLYWOOD, CA - FEBRUARY 09: Damacio Diaz attends the world premiere of "McFarland, USA" at The El Capitan Theatre on February 9, 2015 in Hollywood, California.
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