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. BAKERSFIELD, Calif. A former Bakersfield Police detective, serving time in prison for his role in a drug ring, has been released. Full court documents of who Diaz is as well as Diaz's final statements before sentencing. 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 . 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. 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. As a documentary series that delves deep into the alleged corruption, cover-ups, and crimes within the Bakersfield Police Department over the years, Hulus Killing County is unlike any other. 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. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. Damacio Diaz: Diana Maria Riva . Diaz was one of the real-life members of the team. BPD said that Ramirez was with Harger when the police arrived, and Harger began firing at the officers, prompting the officers to fire back. As well as accepting illegal bribes, Diaz engaged in drug trafficking while with the BPD. More to explore. 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. Talbert announced. Once you watch McFarland, USA, I think you will be inspired to believe the same thing! He was staying at the halfway house after serving his time. She writes narrative pieces with a strong emphasis on the Latino community and others that make up the diversity of L.A. and California. ", (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. Damacio Diaz was a subject of the movie McFarland USA and became a Bakersfield police officer. After sentencing, Diaz spoke with reporters outside the federal courthouse in Fresno. In addition to Ramiro,Sergio Avelar (Victor Puentes) is also an actual runner and member of the McFarland Track Club. Damacio Diaz, one of the three "running Diaz" brothers who helped build the McFarland . The former NFL player is an executive producer on Hulu's "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. Welcome to Killing County. 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. Jim White . Actor: McFarland, USA. 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 sentenced to 5 years for drug charge. cast as Damacio Diaz, are actual runners and Ramiro Rodriguez, as Danny Diaz, was . 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. After serving his sentence, Mara was sent to a halfway house in Long Beach before ultimately being released in April 2020. Damacio Diaz, a former Bakersfield, Calif., detective, speaks after his federal sentencing in a bribery and narcotics case in Fresno, Calif., Monday, Oct. 3, 2016. A week later, Diaz booked approximately one pound of methamphetamine from the vehicle stop into evidence. 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.". 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. Let us send you our favorite posts and ideas once a week. 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. 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. Find Danny Mcfarland stock photos and editorial news pictures from Getty Images. . The Feds arrested him at the department Friday morning and removed evidence. Yes, the McFarland High boys did win a team title at the first CIF-State Cross . BAKERSFIELD, Calif. - An ex-detective who was on the championship 1987 track team depicted in the movie "McFarland USA" has been sentenced to . Before each season, White had to plead his case to their parents to let them run. 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 . Reportedly born in March 1972, Damacio Diaz is 50 years old (as of Jan 2023). Keep an eye on your inbox for updates. And difficult to say what opportunities were missed or how much damage was done," said Benjamin Wagner, US Attorney. . Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way. Seor Diaz: Valente Rodriguez . Damacio Diaz features in new Hulu documentary "Killing County. "The embarrassment is just going to keep growing over this," Laura Harth, the campaign director at Safeguard Defenders, told Newsweek. Diaz continued to operate the informant even though he was fully aware of the informants ongoing criminal activity. But talking to the Diaz . 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. 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 . It opens nationwide Feb. 20. The Diazes grew up with more than 10 family and extended family members all crammed into a small, two-bedroom, cinder-block house. 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.. He's a former 20-year veteran of the Bakersfield Police Department and was . Learn more about the full cast of McFarland, USA with news, photos, videos and more at TV Guide . 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. We would like your email. 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. 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 former police officer was subsequently sentenced to five years in federal prison, just to be released days early from a halfway house in Sacramento, California, on May 8, 2020. Similar to Diaz, Mara pled guilty to stealing narcotics such as methamphetamine and marijuana to give to Noel Carter for profit. 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 . The trio honestly had an unwavering determination in their efforts despite being mere teenagers at the time, and that's what eventually inspired the . And despite never having had a relative make it past the ninth grade, all seven Diaz runners went to college. NBA playoffs: When will the Warriors-Lakers series start? Michael Aguero (Damacio Diaz) In fact, these 7 actors spent so much time together that they built genuine relationships off the set. 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. Seora Diaz: Omar Leyva . See agents for this cast & crew on IMDbPro Directed by . Damacio Diaz, one of the three "running Diaz" brothers who helped build the McFarland . Diaz violated not only the trust of this organization but that of this community. Damacio Diaz Age. 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 pair were sentenced in federal . 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. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The search uncovered an ice chest containing approximately 10 pounds of methamphetamine divided into multiple bags. Former NFL player Colin Kaepernick is an executive producer on the project, and says in the trailer that it "is one of the most powerful projects I've ever been involved with.". 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.. Following Diaz and Maras indictment in October 2016, Damacio was released from a halfway house in Sacramento in May 2020, perKGET. Damacio Diaz; 2015; Related news. The DOJ said Diaz and Mara deliberately failed to submit seized drugs as evidence and instead provided the stolen narcotics to Carter. A U.S. district judge ordered Diaz to begin serving his sentence on Dec. 5. The most police executions. In fact, these 7 actorsspent so much time together that they built genuine relationships off the set. Before Fame. Mara pleaded guilty to related charges in June and is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 17. THE Danny Diaz in McFarland, USA. Is Netflix, Amazon, Now TV, ITV, iTunes, etc. But it also came from a burning desire not to let their teammates down -- their literal and their figurative brothers. Killing County is scheduled to premiere on Hulu on Friday, February 3. The primary subject of the documentary is the victim, Jorge Ramirez, Jr. They still hang out and text each other. U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. ONeill ordered Diaz to begin serving his sentence on December 5, 2016. Why is Frank McCourt really pushing it? Welcome to Killing County. 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. While on duty on Sept. 20, 2012, Diaz stopped a vehicle operated by two people from Yakima, Wash., and used a police dog handler and police dog to search the car. Principal Camillo: Danny Mora . And to answer who is Kevin Costner? If you havent seen McFarland, USA yet why not? Everybody has their own opinions. In May 2020, Diaz was released from a halfway house in Sacramento, where he was staying after serving his time. Speaking of being off camera, what did each of these young men take away from the movie? 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. Heres what we know. Ramiro Rodriguez pictured with Rafael Martinez ("David Diaz) and Michael Aguero ("Damacio Diaz") at the McFarland USA press conference. 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. He was in a 2015 episode of Made in Hollywood. 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. Its amazing. Mara was released from a halfway house a month before Diaz, in April 2020, after serving just under four years in federal prison. According toABC 23, Ramirez was shot at a parking lot near a hotel while working as an off-the-books police informant for the Bakersfield Police Department, attempting to gain information on felon Justin Harger. Their businessman associate, Noel Carter, was sentenced to seven years and five months in prison for his role in re-distributing the drugs, as well as defrauding customers to whom he leased space by embezzling checks into his personal bank account. Find where to watch movies online now! Carloseven told a story about how well Kevin Costner bonded with his9 year old brother. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. McFarland has about 12,000 people, 95 percent of whom are Latino -- migrants who have found their way to the Central Valley for more than 40 years to work in agriculture. 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. According to the California Department of Justice, Diaz and Mara conspired with another man, Noel Carter, 46. Find Danny Mcfarlane stock photos and editorial news pictures from Getty Images. Damacio Diaz, right, shakes hands with Tomas Valles as the team readies for the start of the Southern section championships in the 1987 season. Thanks! Also new to acting wasRafaelMartinez (David Diaz). And not just ANY role the role of Danny Diaz. 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. Niki Caro Writing Credits . People are now proud to say theyre from McFarland. Select from premium Danny Mcfarland of the highest quality. The series explores how his family was affected by the corruption, but it also focuses on a former police detective named Damacio Diaz. She was the one who drove them to the fields at 5 a.m., where they picked fruit right up until the school bell rang, and then again in the afternoons after school. 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The film tells a fictionalized version of the McFarland High School cross-country team's 1987 race to victory. Kevin Costner. Assistant United States Attorneys Brian K. Delaney and Angela Scott prosecuted the case. 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. A bit more seasoned in their acting careers were the three remaining actors, Carlos Pratts (Thomas Valles),Hector Duran (Johnny Sameniego) and Johnny Ortiz (Jose Cardenas). BAKERSFIELD, Calif. An ex-detective who had been on the championship 1987 track team depicted in the . 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.. Imagine a movie being made about your small town. 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." This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. 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." . Acting U.S. Attorney Talbert stated: Diaz had a life that afforded him many opportunities, including the opportunity to serve and protect his community as an officer of the law. 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. Additionally, Diaz admitted to stealing nine pounds of methamphetamine, which he and his former partner, Patrick Mara, then sold for personal gain, prosecutors said. They just did so at night, after seven hours of school and seven more hours of backbreaking work in the fields. 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. February 18, 2015 By // by Coralie 6 Comments. Newsweek has everything you need to know about what happened to Bakersfield cop Damacio Diaz and why he is featured on Killing County. 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. Disgraced former Bakersfield Police Department detective Damacio Diaz, one of the real-life heroes of the movie "McFarland USA," was sentenced Monday in U . That's food off our table.". The 44-year-old Damacio Diaz was a 17-year veteran of the department. Total dominance: Steph Curry breaks NBA Game 7 record, leads Warriors over Kings. His his first time seeing the ocean was while he was filming McFarland, USA. An official website of the United States government. 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. Grant Thompson is a screenwriter based in Los Angeles. Diaz was one of the real-life members of the team. 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.". Doug Brien recalls doing it. Suggest an edit or add missing content. Vida en el Valle file Daniel Casarez. 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. 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. 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. The judge sentenced me to a time period that we believe is fair.. Diaz was one of the real-life members of the team. Is Netflix, Amazon, Fandor, iTunes, etc. The highest homicide rate The most crime. 32 lingering post-draft questions: Will Lions have regrets? photo. They even brought in the local McFarland cross-countrycoach to help them with thetraining which beganevery morning at8am. 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. Movies. pic.twitter.com/qKxl7i5dfn. And these moments form the cinematic story of "McFarland, USA," just as much as the actual running does. Caro had a particularly hard time finding the right actor to play McFarland runner Danny Diaz. 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. She is inspired by her father's passion for running and works hard to be the best athlete she can be. In addition to accepting illegal bribes, Diaz also engaged in drug trafficking while with the BPD. Diaz and his brother Danny were on the championship team; a third brother, David, had graduated by then but was included in the movie version. Workingwith him was one of the best experiences of mylife.. For a general manager, isolating this trait is the white whale. Rafael was also probably the most soft-spoken and polite young man on the panel (not that they werent all polite).
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