WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Department of Justice has decided to drop its criminal case against Boeing. This decision follows Boeing’s agreement last year to plead guilty in connection to two fatal 737 MAX crashes that claimed 346 lives
The Justice Department announced that it has requested a judge to cancel an upcoming trial related to these crashes. The decision has sparked criticism from some victims’ families.
In its filing, the Justice Department stated that reaching a non-prosecution agreement with Boeing was the right decision based on what could be proved in the case. Boeing has agreed to pay around $445 million in victim compensation, in addition to the $500 million already paid.
However, this agreement means Boeing will not have to plead guilty to defrauding the Federal Aviation Administration during the certification process for the 737 MAX. A design flaw in the 737 MAX, undisclosed during the certification process, has been linked to the crashes.
Some families of the victims expressed dissatisfaction with the decision to drop the criminal case, seeking more accountability for the tragedies.
