Former Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) forensic analyst Yvonne “Missy” Woods, 66, has been sentenced to 10 years in state prison after admitting to manipulating DNA data in hundreds of criminal cases.
Woods, who worked for the CBI for nearly 30 years, pleaded guilty in June to cybercrime, first-degree perjury, attempting to influence a public servant and forgery. The misconduct occurred between 2008 and 2023.
The investigation began in 2023 after a CBI intern discovered missing DNA data from a sample Woods had processed in 2018. A wider review eventually identified 53 cases involving false or misleading laboratory reports attributed to her.
Prosecutors said Woods deleted DNA values indicating the presence of male DNA and then reported that no male DNA had been found in 32 cases involving women and children who reported s+xual a§§aults. Her actions prevented opportunities for further testing and investigation.
Twelve false reports were linked to cases where suspects were charged. Three went to trial, resulting in one conviction and two acquittals. Woods also admitted to giving false testimony during the trial that led to a first-degree m¥rder conviction.
A broader review found that her manipulation of laboratory notes affected more than 1,000 cases, including over 400 s+xual-a§§ault cases, although prosecutors clarified that investigators found no evidence she fabricated DNA identifications, comparisons or false positive results.
One m¥rder conviction has already been overturned, while prosecutors reached plea agreements in three m¥rder cases rather than risk Woods’ work being challenged in court.
Woods apologized during sentencing, acknowledging that her actions damaged the criminal justice system. Judge Andrew Poland described her conduct as “intentional misconduct” by a highly trained professional in a position of extraordinary trust.
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