Current:Home > BackUS wants Boeing to plead guilty to fraud over fatal crashes, lawyers say-InfoLens
US wants Boeing to plead guilty to fraud over fatal crashes, lawyers say
View Date:2024-12-23 16:34:05
The U.S. Justice Department plans to propose that Boeing plead guilty to fraud in connection with two deadly plane crashes involving its 737 Max jetliners, according to two people who heard federal prosecutors detail the offer Sunday.
Boeing will have until the end of the coming week to accept or reject the offer, which includes the giant aerospace company agreeing to an independent monitor who would oversee its compliance with anti-fraud laws, they said.
The Justice Department told relatives of some of the 346 people who died in the 2018 and 2019 crashes about the plea offer during a video meeting, according to Mark Lindquist, one of the lawyers representing families who are suing Boeing, and another person who heard the call with prosecutors.
During the meeting, family members expressed anger that prosecutors wanted to offer Boeing a chance to plead guilty to a 3-year-old charge instead of pursuing additional charges and a trial. One said the prosecutors were gaslighting the families; another shouted at them for several minutes when given a chance to speak.
“We are upset. They should just prosecute,” said Massachusetts resident Nadia Milleron, whose 24-year-old daughter, Samya Stumo, died in the second of two 737 Max crashes. “They are saying we can argue to the judge.”
Prosecutors told the families that if Boeing rejects the plea offer, the Justice Department would seek a trial in the matter, they said.
Boeing declined to comment.
The meeting came weeks after prosecutors told a federal judge that the American aerospace giant breached a January 2021 deal that had protected Boeing from criminal prosecution in connection with the crashes in Indonesia and in Ethiopia.
A conviction could jeopardize Boeing’s status as a federal contractor, according to some legal experts. The company has large contracts with the Pentagon and NASA.
veryGood! (45136)
Related
- Lions QB Jared Goff, despite 5 interceptions, dared to become cold-blooded
- With Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase leading way, Bengals running out of time to save season
- Despite Likely Setback for Climate Action With This Year’s Election, New Climate Champions Set to Enter Congress
- Ohio family builds 50,000-pound Stargate with 'dial-home device' to scan the cosmos
- Champions Classic is for elite teams. So why is Michigan State still here? | Opinion
- Minnesota Man Who Told Ex She’d “End Up Like Gabby Petito” Convicted of Killing Her
- Hockey Hall of Fame inductions: Who's going in, how to watch
- Wicked's Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo Detail Bond With Sister Witches Kristin Chenoweth, Idina Menzel
- Why Amanda Seyfried Traded Living in Hollywood for Life on a Farm in Upstate New York
- 1 monkey recovered safely, 42 others remain on the run from South Carolina lab
Ranking
- Detroit-area police win appeal over liability in death of woman in custody
- Zoë Kravitz Joins Taylor Swift for Stylish NYC Dinner After Channing Tatum Split
- How Kristin Chenoweth Encouraged Ariana Grade to Make Wicked Her Own
- A push for school choice fell short in Trump’s first term. He may now have a more willing Congress
- Federal judge denies request to block measure revoking Arkansas casino license
- New LA police chief sworn in as one of the highest-paid chiefs in the US
- Ella Emhoff Slams Rumors She's Been Hospitalized For a Mental Breakdown
- Despite Likely Setback for Climate Action With This Year’s Election, New Climate Champions Set to Enter Congress
Recommendation
-
Colorado police shot, kill mountain lion after animal roamed on school's campus
-
After impressive Georgia win, there's no denying Lane Kiffin is a legit ball coach
-
The Boy Scouts inspired Norman Rockwell. His works will now help pay abuse survivors
-
SEC showdowns with CFP implications lead college football games to watch in Week 11
-
Shaun White Reveals How He and Fiancée Nina Dobrev Overcome Struggles in Their Relationship
-
Women win majority of seats in New Mexico Legislature in showcase of determination and joy
-
Abortion-rights groups see mixed success in races for state supreme court seats
-
Georgia vs Ole Miss live updates: How to watch game, predictions, odds, Top 25 schedule