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Detective whose story is featured in McFarland USA arrested on bribery, drug charges
FRESNO, Calif. – Federal authorities have arrested a detective who was on the championship 1987 track team depicted in the movie McFarland USA.
U.S. Attorney Benjamin Wagner said Friday that Bakersfield, California, police detective Damacio Diaz is suspected of assisting a drug dealer and providing him with the names of police informants.
Charges against 43-year-old include bribery and trafficking methamphetamine.
Diaz is a 17-year veteran of the Bakersfield Police Department.
McFarland USA was released earlier this year and tells the journey of coach Jim White, played by Kevin Costner.
Diaz and his brothers were members of the team that won the state championship.
Bakersfield Police Chief Greg Williamson says he is disappointed. He says people aren’t always what they seem.
Attorney David Torres, who represents Diaz, could not be immediately reached for comment.
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