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US Court Dismisses Criminal Charge Against Boeing Over 737 Max Crashes
A US federal judge has dismissed a criminal fraud charge against Boeing tied to two fatal 737 Max crashes, accepting a government request despite objections from victims' families. Judge Reed O'Connor acknowledged concerns about public interest but ruled on Thursday that he lacked authority to block the Department of Justice's (DOJ) proposal.
Judge's Ruling and Government's Stance
O'Connor criticized the DOJ's justification for dropping the charge as "unserious" and questioned whether the revised agreement would ensure aviation safety. However, he deferred to the government's "good faith" discretion, stating his role did not permit overriding prosecutorial decisions.
The DOJ defended the settlement, citing extensive consultations with crash victims' families, who held "diverse views" on resolution. A spokesperson argued the deal provides "finality" for victims and mandates immediate Boeing action, calling it "the most just outcome."
Boeing's Response and Ongoing Commitments
Boeing reaffirmed its commitment to the DOJ agreement, emphasizing continued efforts to bolster safety, quality, and compliance programs. The company's statement did not address the dismissed charge directly.
Legal Battle and Victims' Opposition
The ruling concludes a protracted legal saga stemming from the 2018-2019 crashes in Indonesia and Ethiopia, which killed 346 people. Boeing initially avoided prosecution via a 2021 settlement-including $2.5 billion in fines-after admitting to concealing flight-control software flaws. The case reopened in 2024 following a mid-flight door blowout incident, with the DOJ accusing Boeing of violating the original terms.
Families of victims, represented by lawyer Paul Cassell, condemned the dismissal. Cassell vowed to appeal, asserting, "Courts shouldn't stand silently by while injustice is perpetrated." The revised settlement, rejected by O'Connor in December 2024, had proposed a guilty plea, $243 million fine, and court-appointed oversight. The final deal dropped the criminal charge but imposed a $1.1 billion financial commitment, including penalties and victim compensation, alongside an independent compliance consultant.
Prosecutors' Justification
Prosecutors cited Boeing's "meaningful progress" in 2025 on anti-fraud measures as grounds for dismissal. The decision spares Boeing a conviction that could have jeopardized its government contracts, though critics argue it undermines accountability.
