Justice Department Unlikely to Pursue Criminal Charges Against Boeing Executives in Fatal Crashes
Due to the statute of limitations likely expiring, U.S. Justice Department officials have informed the family members of victims that it is unlikely that Boeing executives will face criminal charges over the fatal crashes that occurred in 2018 and 2019. The crashes resulted in a devastating loss of 346 lives.
In May, the Justice Department determined that Boeing had violated the terms of a 2021 deferred prosecution agreement (DPA). Under this agreement, the company had been shielded from criminal charges related to the fatal crashes in exchange for abiding by specific terms over a three-year period ending on January 7, 2024. An incident involving an in-flight blowout on a Boeing 737 Max jet two days before the agreement expired highlighted ongoing safety and quality concerns.
Boeing is required to submit a response addressing any disputes with the department’s finding of the 2021 agreement violation by June 13. Officials have until July 7 to inform a Texas federal judge of their plans.
Boeing maintains that it has fulfilled the terms of the agreement and eagerly awaits the opportunity to respond to the Justice Department’s findings. The department has chosen not to comment on the matter currently.
The Justice Department is exploring various options, including prosecuting Boeing, extending the DPA for an additional year, entering into a different DPA, or reaching a non-prosecution agreement without court oversight. Discussions are also underway with victims’ families about potentially pursuing an enhanced sentence if Boeing is convicted. However, the department believes it cannot prove beyond a reasonable doubt that there was federal manslaughter or fraud involving aircraft parts, despite the ongoing quality and safety concerns.
This development marks a significant setback in the pursuit of justice and accountability for the victims of the Boeing crashes. The outcome underscores the challenges in holding corporations responsible for such tragic events.
