Boeing Accepts Plea Deal from Government Regarding 737 Crashes
Once again, our government has bailed out a corporate giant with a settlement that fails to deliver justice for the average person.
Boeing was being investigated for two 737 crashes that killed 346 people.
At one point, it seemed likely that Boeing could be criminally charged, but a plea deal has just been struck that will leave the families of the victims with no closure.
Off the Hook
The plea deal will require Boeing to pay $243.6 million.
Boeing will now be required to plead guilty to criminal fraud in the Indonesian and Ethiopian plane crashes that took place in late 2018 and early 2019.
In addition to the fine and guilty plea, Boeing will also have to invest $455 million for compliance and safety programs.
An independent monitor will be assigned to oversee the compliance for a three-year period.
Attorney Paul Cassell, who is representing numerous families from the accident, was furious over the fact that there is no required recognition of the lost lives in the settlement.
He stated, “This sweetheart deal fails to recognize that because of Boeing's conspiracy, 346 people died.
“Through crafty lawyering between Boeing and [the] DOJ, the deadly consequences of Boeing's crimes are hidden.”
That fine, for all intents and purposes, will not really hurt Boeing because I am sure the government will wind up jacking up some contracts with Boeing to help offset those costs.
And believe me, Boeing was given this deal mainly because the company is a major government contractor.
You want real change here, start sending people to jail and they will start to change the way they do business.
Until that happens, these companies will continue to play by their own rules.