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Feds find criminal wrongdoing in GM ignition switch defect

Investigators have found evidence of wrongdoing in GMs' failure to disclose a defect tied to at least 84 deaths, and are seeking a substantial penalty.
General Motors headquarters in the Renaissance Center are seen on Jan. 14, 2014 in Detroit. (Photo by Stan Honda/AFP/Getty)
General Motors headquarters in the Renaissance Center are seen on Jan. 14, 2014 in Detroit. 

Federal investigators have found evidence of wrongdoing in General Motors' failure to disclose a defect tied to at least 84 deaths, and are seeking a substantial penalty from the company, NBC News has confirmed.

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It is not yet known how the penalty would compare with the $1.2 billion paid last year by Toyota for concealing unintended acceleration problems, but the New York Times reported that GM's settlement is expected to be a record fine, exceeding Toyota's payment. The Times said a settlement could be reached as soon as this summer.

Some former GM employees are under investigation and could face criminal charges, the Times reported.

General Motors has offered a compensation plan to those affected by the faulty ignition switches, including incidents that occurred before its 2009 bankruptcy. A U.S. bankruptcy judge ruled last month will not have to face dozens of lawsuits accusing it of concealing the defect.

This article originally appeared on NBCNews.com.