United States v. Jacques

TORRUELLA, Circuit Judge.

Following a seven-hour interrogation in which he confessed participating in the arson of an African-American church, Michael Jacques was convicted in federal court of conspiracy against civil rights, damage to religious real property, and the use of a fire to commit a felony. On appeal, Jacques argues that the district court erred in admitting his statements into evidence because agents obtained his confession through coercive means and in violation of his right to prompt presentment. For the reasons below, we affirm.

I. Facts and Background

On the morning of November…