An internal affairs investigation revealed that Colorado Bureau of Investigation DNA analysts intentionally manipulated data during the testing process for at least 15 years.
Yvonne “Missy” Woods, a former DNA scientist who worked at the CBI crime lab for 29 years, has been under investigation since September 2023, according to the agency, known as the CBI.
The investigation concluded that Woods manipulated data during the DNA testing process and, in some cases, posted incomplete test results.
“To date, there are 652 confirmed cases between 2008 and 2023 that were affected by Mr. Woods’ data manipulation,” the CBI said in a release. “An investigation into Woods’ performance from 1994 to 2008 is also underway.”
The Feb. 26 investigation alleges that Woods “omitted material facts from official criminal justice records,” “falsified DNA test results by omitting portions of the results,” and that the investigation “went to the extent of data retention.” It was found that he had violated the Bureau’s Code of Conduct and the Institute’s policies. For quality control measures. ”
According to the investigation, the DNA forensics team compromised her research by deleting or altering data that concealed the fact that Ms. Woods interfered with controls and failed to troubleshoot issues that arose during the testing process. I discovered that I was operating the . It was also found that she did not provide adequate documentation in the case records related to the tests she conducted.
“These operations appear to be the result of deliberate acts on the part of Woods,” the CBI said.
The CBI said the findings “cast doubt on all of her work.”
“In order to uphold the integrity of her work, which has resulted in true and fair criminal justice outcomes, whether it be an arrest, conviction or exoneration,” Ryan Blackley, the attorney representing Woods, said in a statement. We will continue to cooperate with law enforcement.”
The agency began investigating in September after recognizing that DNA sample testing conducted by Woods “may have deviated from standard operating procedures.”
Mr. Woods was placed on administrative leave on October 3, and then resigned from his position on November 6. The CBI said Mr. Woods had not carried out any additional research activities during that time.
Since October 3, the CBI has worked with members of the Kansas Bureau of Investigation to investigate all of Woods’ activities over his 29 years with the agency.
Ultimately, the investigation did not find that Wood “faked a DNA match or fabricated a DNA profile.”
“Rather, Mr. Woods deviated from standard testing procedures, cut corners, and called into question the reliability of the tests conducted,” the CBI said, adding, “Mr. Woods deviated from standard testing procedures, cut corners, and called into question the reliability of the tests conducted.” Additional tests should have been carried out to ensure this.”
Her lawyer said the investigation found that “Ms. Woods’ previous statements show that she never made or reported any false DNA matches or exclusions, and that she did not make or report any false DNA matches or exclusions that would lead to wrongful conviction or false imprisonment. “This confirms that he has never given false testimony at any hearing or trial.”
A separate criminal investigation against Woods, launched late last year, is still ongoing, according to the CBI.
The CBI said it was working to “strengthen the integrity of the inspection process and its results” and introduce changes to prevent issues of this nature from occurring in the future.
“The public’s trust in our agency is critical to fulfilling our mission,” said CBI Director Chris Schaefer. “Our actions to correct this unprecedented breach of trust will be thorough and transparent.”
The agency said it is also working to audit all DNA analysts “to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the entire record catalog.”
During the course of the audit, the CBI discovered that another analyst working for the Weld County Sheriff’s Office at the Northern Colorado Regional Forensic Laboratory may have also manipulated DNA test data, but the case was linked to Woods’ He pointed out that this was not related to the incident.
