Crime Lab Analyst Faces Over 100 Counts for Allegedly Altering Reports in Sexual Assault Cases
A Colorado crime lab analyst, Yvonne “Missy” Woods, is facing more than 100 criminal counts in connection with allegations that she altered reports in sexual assault cases.
Charges and Allegations
Woods was charged with 52 counts of forgery, 48 counts of attempt to influence a public servant, one count of first-degree perjury, and one count of cybercrime, according to the district attorney for the First Judicial District. The allegations include altering and deleting quantification values, rerunning batches of DNA without documentation, and hiding potential contamination.
Alleged Misconduct
She is alleged to have submitted reports that said “No Male DNA Found” in over 30 sexual assault cases where DNA was found or contamination was present. Jail records show that Woods was in custody on Thursday morning. An attorney who was named in an affidavit for Woods’ arrest warrant did not immediately return an email requesting comment.
Investigation and Findings
In November 2023, Colorado authorities asked the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation to investigate Woods’ work. The investigation was launched after an error was discovered by a Colorado Bureau of Investigation intern, who was assigned a project to review quantification data and alerted the lab’s management that specific data appeared to be missing. The intern’s discovery led to an internal investigation, which found several instances of deleted or altered data.
Interview with Investigators
During a recorded interview, Woods was asked about her work at the lab and how contaminated DNA samples were handled. Woods told investigators that prior to around 2017 or 2018, some contamination was accepted. However, since then, she allegedly said, any contamination would have to be addressed, and she agreed with investigators that it would take a “considerable amount of time” to rerun batches of DNA. Woods was also asked about discrepancies in her work, including a time she was placed on leave in 2018 over concerns of manipulated or altered data. She allegedly said she didn’t know if similar cases of manipulated data were all intentional and could not give a timeline for when she allegedly began altering data.
Consequences of Alleged Misconduct
The alleged misconduct has affected over 500 cases, beginning in 2008, and has resulted in a financial cost of more than $11 million, according to the district attorney’s office. A Wisconsin-based firm has been contracted to review the bureau’s policies and procedures in the fallout and provide solutions for any potential improvements, according to NBC affiliate KUSA.
Conclusion
The allegations against Yvonne “Missy” Woods have raised serious concerns about the integrity of the criminal justice system and the impact on victims of sexual assault. The investigation into her alleged misconduct is ongoing, and it remains to be seen what consequences she will face.
FAQs
* What are the charges against Yvonne “Missy” Woods?
+ 52 counts of forgery, 48 counts of attempt to influence a public servant, one count of first-degree perjury, and one count of cybercrime.
* How many cases were affected by her alleged misconduct?
+ Over 500 cases, beginning in 2008.
* What is the estimated financial cost of her alleged misconduct?
+ Over $11 million.
* What is being done to address the alleged misconduct?
+ A Wisconsin-based firm has been contracted to review the bureau’s policies and procedures and provide solutions for any potential improvements.
