The US Justice Department is reportedly close to reaching an agreement with Boeing that would involve a corporate monitor and a fine in exchange for a guilty plea to criminal charges. This offer has drawn sharp criticism from the lawyer representing the families of victims of two fatal 737 Max crashes, who described it as a 'sweetheart deal'.
According to reports, the families of the victims are unhappy and angered by the proposed agreement, citing a lack of accountability and admission of guilt on Boeing's part. The families are expected to object to the plea deal if Boeing accepts it.
Specific details of the proposed offer have not been disclosed, and it is yet to be reviewed by the concerned parties. Boeing has chosen not to comment on the matter, while the Department of Justice has not responded to requests for comment.
Recent safety failures and production issues at Boeing prompted the Justice Department to notify the company of a breach of the terms of its 2021 agreement, under which Boeing had avoided criminal charges related to the two fatal 737 Max crashes. The discovery of quality errors and safety gaps following an incident involving an Alaska Airlines flight further escalated the situation.
The Department of Justice has indicated that Boeing could face criminal prosecution, with prosecutors recommending the filing of charges. Boeing has until the end of the week to decide whether to accept the plea deal or proceed to trial. The deadline for the Justice Department to file criminal charges in the case is set for July 7.
