United States v. McClinton

In United States v. McClinton, 982 F.2d 278 (8th Cir. 1992), the defendant argued on appeal from convictions for abducting young girls that interrogating officers had improperly induced his confession by promising, among other things, drug and alcohol treatment. The officers acknowledged during the suppression hearing that, "in an effort to develop a general rapport with the defendant, they told him he was not a bad person and that he would receive help for his drug and alcohol problems if he talked to them." 982 F.2d at 283. Affirming the conviction, the appellate court held that the promises to help the defendant with "his collateral health problems," i.e., drug and alcohol abuse, were "far different from promises in leniency in the criminal proceeding." Id.