Former Colorado DNA Scientist Faces 102 Charges for Misconduct
In a shocking turn of events, a former Colorado Bureau of Investigation DNA scientist, Yvonne “Missy” Woods, finds herself at the center of a legal storm as she faces a staggering 102 criminal charges. These charges, which include dozens of counts of forgery, stem from allegations that Woods failed to adhere to standard testing protocols and cut corners in hundreds of criminal cases.
Woods, who retired in November 2023 after a lengthy 29-year tenure at the state’s forensic lab, was set to appear in state district court in Jefferson County to answer to the charges. The gravity of the situation became apparent as prosecutors revealed that the validity of over 500 cases has been jeopardized due to Woods’ alleged misconduct, as detailed in an arrest warrant affidavit.
Currently held in the Jefferson County Jail on a $50,000 cash bond, Woods remains at the center of a growing scandal. Her attorney has yet to issue a statement in response to the charges, leaving many wondering about the details of her defense.
The investigation into Woods’ actions commenced in September 2023 after an intern at the state investigation bureau uncovered irregularities in a case handled by Woods in 2018. Subsequent scrutiny of her work uncovered a pattern of altering data, deleting crucial information, and failing to document tests properly, casting doubt on the integrity of the cases she had been involved in.
Beyond the forgery charges, Woods also faces counts of attempting to influence a public servant, perjury, and cybercrime, spanning a period from 2008 to 2023. Revelations from a Colorado Bureau of Investigations internal affairs report from the previous year indicated that concerns about Woods’ conduct had surfaced over a decade ago, with instances of data manipulation and questionable testing practices coming to light.
The repercussions of Woods’ alleged misconduct are reverberating through the criminal justice system. In a notable case affected by her actions, a Colorado man recently pleaded guilty to lesser charges in a triple homicide due to the inability to call Woods as a witness. The plea deal allowed the defendant to avoid a potential life sentence, highlighting the far-reaching implications of Woods’ actions.
Financially, the fallout from the scandal has been significant, with costs exceeding $11 million. Requests for funding to retest DNA samples and review affected cases have been made to rectify the damage caused by the lab errors. State officials have taken steps to address the situation, including hiring a consulting firm to evaluate the forensic program and ensure accountability moving forward.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the public remains gripped by the unfolding saga of a once-respected scientist now embroiled in a web of criminal charges and accusations of professional misconduct. The ramifications of Woods’ actions extend far beyond the confines of the courtroom, underscoring the importance of upholding ethical standards in forensic science and the criminal justice system at large.
___Brown reported from Billings, Montana.
