DOJ enters non-prosecution agreement with Boeing

The Department of Justice announced it will not pursue charges against Boeing for alleged fraud tied to the deaths of 346 people in two Boeing 737 Max 8 crashes. The DOJ communicated its agreement with Boeing in a letter to victim families, stating it had reached an agreement in principle. Local attorney Mark Lindquist voiced disappointment, asserting that the evidence against Boeing was overwhelming and that the plea agreement seemed to rely on factors beyond the case's merits. The DOJ justified its decision by stating that the agreement serves the public interest and avoids the uncertainties of litigation. Before finalization, a judge must approve the deal, and families can choose to contest the plea bargain.

Lindquist expects the judge to accept the agreement despite objections from victim families. The proposed settlement includes additional payments to families impacted by the crashes. Lindquist remains hopeful that ongoing civil lawsuits and heightened scrutiny will lead to safer Boeing aircraft in the future.