A Colorado Bureau of Investigation DNA analyst intentionally manipulated data in the testing process for at least 15 years, according to an internal affairs investigation.
Yvonne “Missy” Woods, a now-former DNA scientist who worked at the CBI crime lab for 29 years, has been under investigation since September 2023, according to the bureau, known as CBI.
The investigation concluded that Woods manipulated data in the DNA testing process and in some cases posted incomplete test results.
“At this time, 652 cases have been identified as affected by Woods’ data manipulation between 2008 and 2023,” the CBI said in a release. “A review of Woods’ work from 1994 to 2008 is also underway.”
The investigation, dated Feb. 26, found Woods “Omitted material facts in official criminal justice records,” “Tampered with DNA testing results by omitting some of those results,” and violated the bureau’s code of conduct and lab policies “ranging from data retention to quality control measures.”
According to the investigation, a DNA forensics team found Woods manipulated her work by deleting and changing data that hid the fact that she interfered with controls and failed to troubleshoot problems that arose during the testing process. It also found she did not provide adequate documentation in case records related to tests she performed.
“These manipulations appear to have been the result of intentional conduct on the part of Woods,” the CBI said.
The CBI said the findings “puts all of her work in question.”
Ryan Brackley, an attorney representing Woods, said she “will continue to cooperate with law enforcement to preserve the integrity of her work that resulted in true and just criminal justice findings — whether arrests, convictions or exonerations.”
The bureau launched the investigation in September after becoming aware that a DNA sample testing performed by Woods “may have deviated from standard operating procedures.”
Woods was placed on administrative leave on Oct….
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