The Justice Department says on Wednesday, Purdue Pharma, the company that makes OxyContin, will plead guilty to three federal criminal charges as part of a settlement of more than $8 billion.
The deal does not release any of the companyās executives or owners ā members of the wealthy Sackler family ā from criminal liability, and a criminal investigation is ongoing.
Family members said they acted āethically and lawfully,ā but some state attorneys general said the agreement fails to hold the Sacklers accountable.
Purdue will make a direct payment to the government of $225 million, which is part of a larger $2 billion criminal forfeiture.
Until recently, the Sackler name was on museum galleries and educational programs around the world because of gifts from family members.