Boeing Reaches Deal With DOJ to Avoid 737 Max Criminal Charges

Boeing has reached an agreement in principle with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) that would allow the company to avoid criminal prosecution over two deadly 737 Max crashes in 2018 and 2019, which killed 346 people. Under the proposed deal, Boeing will pay and invest over $1.1 billion, including $445 million for the families of crash victims, and admit to obstructing the Federal Aviation Administration, but will not plead guilty to a felony or face a public trial. The DOJ asserts the resolution holds Boeing financially accountable and provides compensation and finality for the families, while avoiding the risks of litigation. However, the deal has drawn strong opposition from many victims' families and their attorneys, who argue that Boeing should face greater accountability and that the agreement amounts to a 'backroom deal' that fails to deliver justice for the deadliest corporate crime in U.S. history. The agreement still requires approval from a federal judge, after a previous deal was rejected. Many relatives of victims continue to demand a public trial, prosecution of former Boeing officials, and harsher penalties for the company.