Former Colorado DNA Scientist Faces 102 Criminal Charges
A former Colorado Bureau of Investigation DNA scientist, Yvonne “Missy” Woods, is under fire as she faces a staggering 102 criminal charges, including multiple counts of forgery. The allegations against Woods suggest a pattern of cutting corners and disregarding standard testing protocols in numerous criminal cases, casting doubt on the integrity of the forensic evidence she handled.
After a lengthy career spanning 29 years at the state’s forensic lab, Woods retired in November 2023. However, her departure did not mark the end of her involvement with the law, as the validity of over 500 cases she worked on has now come into question. An arrest warrant affidavit released by prosecutors revealed that Woods tampered with data, raising concerns about the accuracy and reliability of the evidence presented in these cases.
Scheduled to appear in state district court in Jefferson County, Woods finds herself in the eye of a legal storm with serious implications. Held in the Jefferson County Jail on a substantial cash bond of $50,000, the former scientist is facing a litany of charges that include forgery, attempting to influence a public servant, perjury, and cybercrime. These charges span a timeframe from 2008 to 2023, indicating a prolonged period of alleged misconduct.
The investigation into Woods’ actions was triggered by the discovery of missing information in a case she handled back in 2018. An intern at the state investigation bureau stumbled upon discrepancies that ultimately led to a broader probe into Woods’ work. Subsequent examinations of other cases she was involved in uncovered a troubling pattern of behavior, including data alteration, deletion of critical information, and inadequate documentation of testing processes.
Woods’ alleged transgressions have far-reaching consequences, with the fallout still unfolding. Concerns about her work had surfaced over a decade ago, with reports of questionable testing practices dating back to 2014. Temporarily removed from DNA cases in 2018 due to accusations of data manipulation, Woods’ actions have now come under intense scrutiny, as prosecutors grapple with the implications for past convictions and ongoing cases.
The impact of Woods’ alleged misconduct on the justice system is substantial and costly. In the first prosecution believed to be affected by her actions, a Colorado man recently pleaded guilty to reduced charges in a case involving the deaths of three individuals in 2017. The inability to rely on Woods’ testimony due to credibility issues led prosecutors to offer a plea deal, highlighting the ripple effect of her alleged misdeeds on the legal process.
Furthermore, the financial toll of addressing Woods’ actions is mounting, with the response to her misconduct estimated to have cost over $11 million. Efforts to rectify the situation include requesting funds for an independent lab to retest thousands of DNA samples and potentially reprosecute cases impacted by lab errors. State officials have taken steps to review and evaluate the forensic program in light of these revelations, emphasizing the importance of accountability and transparency in maintaining the integrity of
