Boeing Executives Could Face Criminal Charges Over 737 MAX Crashes
In recent developments, it has been revealed that Boeing executives could still face criminal charges in relation to the fatal 2018 and 2019 crashes of the 737 MAX aircraft. During a meeting with victims’ family members on May 31, officials from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) conveyed this information to the families and their attorneys. This meeting marked the second time the families had met with the DOJ since late April to discuss the agency’s plans following Boeing’s violation of a 2021 criminal settlement.
The deferred prosecution agreement, which would have waived criminal charges against Boeing if they remained in compliance until January 7, was violated when an Alaskan Airlines flight experienced a door panel incident two days after the deadline. Initially, Boeing was charged with conspiracy to defraud the United States. However, the DOJ has not yet determined how they will proceed against Boeing and will notify the families and courts by July 7.
The families expressed their concerns over giving Boeing a plea agreement and urged the government to prosecute both the company and its executives, including former CEO Dennis Muilenburg. Muilenburg resigned in 2019 following the fatal crashes and subsequent grounding of the 737 MAX by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Reports suggesting that Boeing executives would likely not be charged due to a statute of limitations deadline for federal charges were deemed incorrect by Robert Clifford, lead counsel for the families.
Clifford clarified that Justice Department officials had already acknowledged in the 2021 settlement agreement that Boeing had obstructed their investigation for at least six months. He argued that this extended any five-year limitations, making it possible to charge individuals. The purpose of the meeting was to provide further legal analysis to the Justice Department and advocate for a proper prosecution of Boeing for its criminal conduct.
Chris Moore, who lost his daughter on Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302, emphasized the importance of holding individuals accountable. He stated that there is sufficient evidence to support charging Boeing executives and called for them to face trial and defend their actions. Moore emphasized the need for truth and transparency for justice to prevail.
Michael Stumo, who lost his daughter on the same flight, criticized Boeing for not prioritizing safety and compliance after the crashes. He specifically called out Dennis Muilenburg, whom he believes should face prison time as the lead conspirator in a multi-year conspiracy to defraud the FAA. Stumo expressed the desire for a sentencing hearing where all the bad acts of Boeing could be publicly recorded, shedding light on the company’s culture of preventing whistleblowers from reporting safety violations.
Mike Riffel, who tragically lost two sons in the 2019 crash, echoed the sentiment of wanting a public trial for those responsible for the fraud. He acknowledged that there are good people at Boeing who had no involvement in the alleged crimes. Riffel emphasized the importance of holding the individuals accountable and putting them in prison where they belong.
Although Boeing will face a civil trial starting on November 12 in Chicago, the families are still seeking a public criminal trial from the U.S. government. They believe that a jury trial will provide a day of reckoning and expose the criminality of the conduct that led to the loss of 346 lives.
As of now, both Dennis Muilenburg and Boeing have not provided comments on the matter.
