Opinion ID: 2174677
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Oster's confession was voluntary beyond a reasonable doubt.

Text: During pre-trial motions, Oster sought to have his statements suppressed due to the failure of law enforcement officials to give Miranda warnings. The trial judge ruled that under State v. Perkins, 444 N.W.2d 34 (S.D.1989), the interrogation was not custodial, and thus the warnings were not required. Oster does not challenge this decision, but claims that the statements were involuntary, achieved by psychological coercion. Under such a claim, State must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that incriminating statements or confessions were freely and voluntarily made. State v. Corder, 460 N.W.2d 733 (S.D.1990); State v. Dickey, 459 N.W.2d 445 (S.D.1990). The trial court must determine voluntariness through an examination of the totality of the circumstances. Haynes v. Washington, 373 U.S. 503, 83 S.Ct. 1336, 10 L.Ed.2d 513 (1963); State v. Albright, 418 N.W.2d 292 (S.D.1988). Because the trial court found the confession to be voluntary, that finding is binding upon this Court unless, upon review, we conclude that such a finding is clearly erroneous. State v. Jenner, 451 N.W.2d 710, 716 (S.D.1990); Albright at 297. In response to Deputy Pomrenke's request, Oster voluntarily met with Pomrenke shortly after 5:00 p.m. at the Sheriff's office. No one but the deputy was present. Oster was made aware of the nature of the visit and was handed a newspaper article about the crime when he arrived. Pomrenke and Oster then went to a private room to discuss Vissia's missing money. Pomrenke began taping the interrogation by noting that the time was after 5:00, and that Oster did not have to talk and was free to leave. Oster freely acknowledged that he would stay. After explaining that he wanted to get things cleared up because Vissia had identified Oster in a photo lineup and believed that he was guilty, Oster responded to questions freely. However, Pomrenke noticed inconsistencies in Oster's answers, and would rephrase questions. Several times Oster denied taking the money. About eight minutes after this interview began, Pomrenke asked whether Oster might have had an opportunity to steal the money. After responding yes, the deputy asked once more whether he stole the cash, whereupon Oster confessed and offered to repay Vissia. After the deputy told Oster that the consequences would be decided by the court, he permitted Oster to leave. The entire taped interview lasted only ten minutes. Oster now argues that the use of the newspaper, the mention of the photo lineup, and the repeated questioning add up to psychological coercion and should be suppressed. Oster had been contacted by telephone when asked to come to the Sheriff's office. Oster drove his own car to the office. Pomrenke then informed Oster that he did not have to stay, the door was open, and he was free to leave. No other police were present. Even after admitting to the crime, Oster was allowed to leave on his own. Absent any element of police overreaching, there is simply no basis for concluding that Oster has been deprived of due process. Colorado v. Connelly, 479 U.S. 157, 107 S.Ct. 515, 93 L.Ed.2d 473 (1986). The deputy knew Oster had been at Vissia's and thus suspected him of committing the crime. Oster voluntarily met with Pomrenke. After a less than grueling question and answer session, Oster blurted out a confession. As the facts indicate, Oster was not hot-boxed or in an ingenious cat and mouse game with television's famed Lieutenant Columbo. He confessed freely and candidly. Oster has given this Court no reason to doubt the procedures of the Butte County Sheriff's Department or the decision of the lower court. Although we are at a loss as to why Oster suddenly confessed, we do conclude that the statements were voluntary and not the result of psychological coercion or police overreaching. The lower court carefully considered the suppression issue and had benefit of an on-site review of testimony. We do not deem its findings as clearly erroneous.