St. Louis, MO - James Flannel, 37, of St. Louis, MO, was indicted for the carjacking and killing of Boris Iouioukine, a Laclede Cab Company driver killed on June 25, 2018. Specifically, the three-count indictment returned this morning charges Flannel with one count of carjacking, one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence resulting in the death of Mr. Iouioukine, and one count of being a felon in possession of ammunition during the same general time period.
Flannel was originally charged by way of federal complaint for his illegal possession of ammunition on June 27, 2018, two days after the murder. He was ultimately located by law enforcement and taken into federal custody on July 14, 2018. Flannel has been detained ever since. Today’s superseding indictment adds charges related to Flannel’s carjacking and killing of Mr. Iouioukine.
If convicted, the felon in possession of ammunition charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years. The carjacking charge carries a maximum penalty of 25 years. Flannel’s possession of a firearm resulting in Mr. Iouioukine’s death carries an additional consecutive mandatory minimum penalty ranging from 10 years to life or the imposition of the death penalty. In determining actual sentences, a judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines which provide recommended sentencing ranges.
Following the return of today’s indictment, U. S. Attorney Jeff Jensen commended the swift action of and coordination between the Saint Louis Metropolitan and Saint Louis County Police Departments; the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; his office; and the Saint Louis Circuit Attorney’s Office, “This case is a good example of the cooperative, ‘all hands on deck’ philosophy our state, local and federal partners have embraced in response to the persistent gun violence in the St. Louis area."
As is always the case, charges set forth in the indictment are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
