A DNA scientist with the Colorado Bureau of Investigation allegedly cut corners and covered up data in criminal investigations for decades, potentially compromising hundreds of cases, the agency announced this week after a months-long internal investigation.
Yvonne "Missy" Woods allegedly omitted material evidence from criminal justice records, tampered with DNA testing and violated CBI policy in areas including data retention and quality control between 2008 and 2023.
The agency was first alerted to the alleged issues with Woods' work last September. She was placed on administrative leave in early October, and retired in November.
Woods worked for CBI for nearly 30 years - prompting concerns that her actions compromised decades of evidence. The bureau is currently in the process of investigating her work from 1994 to 2008.
"Public trust in our institutions is critical to the fulfillment of our mission," said CBI Director Chris Schaefer. "Our actions in rectifying this unprecedented breach of trust will be thorough and transparent."
Both the CBI and Woods' lawyer stressed that the scientist never deliberately falsified or fabricated DNA evidence. Instead, the CBI alleges that the tampering resulted from deviating from testing procedures and cutting corners.
"She's never created or reported any false inculpatory DNA matches or exclusions, nor has she testified falsely in any hearing or trial resulting in a false conviction or unjust imprisonment," Woods' attorney Ryan Brackley told CNN.
Brackley added that Woods was a "loyal and dedicated forensic scientist" who trained "generations" of scientists and law enforcement officials.
Some attorneys, however, allege that Woods' conduct led to wrongful convictions based on faulty evidence. Lawyer Mark Burton filed a federal lawsuit on behalf of his incarcerated client, James Hunter - arguing that Hunter was convicted based on faulty DNA evidence that was examined and tested by Woods.
In a press release, CBI noted that it was updating its internal procedures to ensure greater accuracy DNA testing. The agency did not, however, list specific policy changes.
