Manhattan's federal prosecutor says choosing a path on the criminal investigation of General Motors was difficult because there are no specific laws against failing to disclose a car equipment defect.
U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara also told a news conference Thursday that the criminal probe into the company's deadly problem with small-car ignition switches continues. He did not rule out charging GM employees criminally.
The prosecutor commented as he announced General Motors was charged criminally with failing to disclose and then misleading consumers about the defective ignition switches. It also was charged with wire fraud for making false safety claims to consumers over the Internet.
The company reached a deal to pay $900 million and accept an independent monitor for three years with the expectation that the charges will be dropped.
Read the full Department of Justice complaint below:
