In another case of white collar crime, Federal prosecutors have agreed to settle a criminal probe into General Motors for concealing an ignition switch defect linked to at least 124 deaths. Under the deal, General Motors agreed to pay $900 million as part of a deferred prosecution agreement, but no GM executives will be prosecuted for covering up the deadly defect. The fine is a pittance – a small blip in their earnings. The deal has been roundly criticized by consumer advocates and the families who lost loved ones. Clarence Ditlow, head of the Center for Auto Safety, said, "GM killed over 100 people by knowingly putting a defective ignition switch into over 1 million vehicles. Today, thanks to its lobbyists, GM officials walk off scot-free while its customers are six feet under." One of the mother’s, Laura Christian, who lost her 16 year old daughter expressed outrage over the Justice Department’s deal. The settlement is the latest in a string of deferred prosecution agreements between the Obama administration and corporations accused of criminal activity.
Ralph Nader, the consumer advocate, was also incensed at the deal and stated “it’s an absurd settlement. It doesn’t deter future behavior by General Motors. Nobody went to jail, nobody is indicted. The company wasn’t indicted. The Justice Department under Attorney General Loretta Lynch and the Obama administration have created a new doctrine. It’s called "crimes without criminals."”
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