Hundreds of cases reviewed after Woods’ misconduct identified
A state judge in Golden, Colorado, sentenced Yvonne “Missy” Woods, a former forensic analyst for the Colorado Bureau of Investigation, to 10 years in prison on Tuesday for manipulating DNA data.
State District Judge Andrew Poland imposed the sentence after Woods pleaded guilty in June to perjury, attempting to influence a public servant, forgery and cybercrime. Dozens of additional counts were dismissed as part of the plea agreement. The 10-year sentence fell within the 8-to-16-year range Woods had faced at Tuesday’s hearing.
Authorities have identified problems in Woods’ analyses in cases involving homicide, sexual assault, robbery and other crimes. Prosecutors have reviewed hundreds of cases to determine whether her work affected the outcomes.
At least one murder conviction has been overturned as a result of Woods’ misconduct, according to authorities.