Ex-Bakersfield Cop Patrick Mara Gets 5 Years for Meth Conspiracy

FRESNO, Calif. — Patrick Mara, 36, of Bakersfield, once a detective with the Bakersfield Police Department, was sentenced today to five years in federal prison for his role in a methamphetamine trafficking conspiracy that exploited his badge to flood the streets with stolen drugs. The sentence is followed by five years of supervised release.

Court documents reveal Mara, while employed as a BPD detective between June 14, 2012, and October 29, 2013, conspired with fellow officer Damacio Diaz, 44, of McFarland, to seize narcotics during police operations and divert them from evidence. Instead of booking the drugs, they sold the illicit haul — including approximately 20 pounds of methamphetamine — to a third party, an acquaintance of Mara’s, who distributed the stash deeper into the community.

During the federal investigation, Mara met with the FBI three times and repeatedly denied knowledge of any wrongdoing. He offered vague answers or claimed he couldn’t recall key events — despite overwhelming evidence uncovered by agents from the FBI, DEA, and IRS-Criminal Investigation. His lies only deepened the betrayal of public trust.

Acting U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert didn’t mince words: “When Mara used his position as a police officer to steal methamphetamine and marijuana, he caused drugs to remain in the community and drug traffickers to go unprosecuted. He endangered the community he pledged to serve.” Talbert praised the Bakersfield Police Department for its cooperation, calling their internal support “unfettered” and essential to the probe.

Bakersfield Chief of Police Williams distanced the department from Mara’s crimes: “His deliberate betrayal is in no way reflective of any employees within the Bakersfield Police Department.” DEA Special Agent in Charge John J. Martin added, “Mara’s criminal behavior while wearing the badge compromised the integrity of the position, endangered the public and the safety of his colleagues.”

FBI Sacramento Special Agent in Charge Monica M. Miller condemned the breach of duty: “Patrick Mara and his corrupt colleagues betrayed the trust of the citizens they served. They disgraced the profession.” Diaz was sentenced on October 3, 2016, to five years in prison after pleading guilty to bribery, drug possession with intent to distribute, and filing a false tax return. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian K. Delaney and Angela Scott prosecuted the case.