Summary
A U.S. judge in Texas approved the Department of Justice's request to drop a criminal case against Boeing. This decision relates to charges stemming from two fatal 737 MAX crashes in 2018 and 2019. Boeing will avoid prosecution but will make financial payments and implement safety measures.
Key Facts
- A Texas judge, Reed O’Connor, agreed to the DOJ's decision to dismiss a criminal case against Boeing.
- The case was connected to two deadly crashes involving Boeing's 737 MAX planes in 2018 and 2019.
- Judge O’Connor expressed disagreement with the decision but stated he could not overrule it.
- Boeing will not face prosecution but agreed to pay $444.5 million to a victims' fund.
- Boeing also agreed to a $243.6 million fine and over $455 million for safety and quality improvements.
- The DOJ originally charged Boeing in January 2021 with conspiracy to defraud the U.S.
- Boeing was accused of misleading the FAA about flight control systems on the 737 MAX.
- After the judge's decision, Boeing's stock increased slightly by 0.2 percent.
