Boeing Co. escaped heavy punishment in a U.S. criminal investigation into two deadly crashes of the 737 Max, according to an array of the company’s closest observers on Wall Street and in Washington, D.C.
The $243.3 million fine in a $2.5 billion settlement with the Justice Department was “small,” said JPMorgan Chase & Co. Prosecutors’ attempt to force a change in corporate behavior was “pathetic,” said U.S. Representative Peter DeFazio, who investigated Boeing. And Senator Richard Blumenthal said the deal was a “disgrace” that allowed the company to avoid larger changes.
