Justice Dept. encourages prosecutions of corporate execs

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WASHINGTON – The Justice Department is providing new guidance designed to encourage federal prosecutors to bring criminal cases against corporate executives.

Under policies issued Wednesday, corporations will be required to turn over evidence against individuals if they want credit for cooperation. The department is also directing its civil and criminal lawyers to work together in all corporate matters, and says corporate investigations will begin with a focus on individuals.

Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates is expected to discuss the changes in a speech in New York on Thursday.

The department in the last year and a half has reached multi-billion-dollar civil settlements against several banks and brought criminal charges against others. But it has faced criticism that it has not prosecuted enough Wall Street executives, including after the financial crisis.