Former Forensic Analyst Sentenced To 10 Years For DNA Manipulation
A Colorado lab technician got hit with a 10-year prison sentence for manipulating DNA results. Her actions, however, have thrown a wrench into hundreds of criminal cases—some of them serious—which might warrant some defendants receiving new trials or being released, and justice for dozens of sexual assault survivors.
Yvonne “Missy” Woods, a forensic crime lab analyst for the Colorado Bureau of Investigation, was sentenced on Friday for felony cybercrime, first-degree perjury, attempting to influence a public servant and forgery.
The Guardian reports that there were problems with Woods’ work in cases “involving homicide, sexual assault, robbery and other crimes,” going back decades. Prosecutors were forced to review hundreds of cases affiliated with Woods, and at least one murder conviction was overturned as a result of Woods’s misconduct.
Investigators said Woods intentionally left DNA samples out of tests or reports, or repeatedly tested samples to get the result she wanted. Prosecutors did note that “the criminal investigation did not uncover evidence establishing that Woods produced false DNA identifications, false comparisons or false positive results,” reports People. .
Police also allege that Woods deleted evidence in more than 30 sexual assault cases involving women and children, submitting reports that said no male DNA was found when there was, in fact, male DNA present, reports CBS News.
“Because this was intentional conduct by a highly-trained professional occupying a position of extraordinary trust, considerations of punishment, accountability, proportionality and general deterrence carry substantial weight,” said Judge Poland, according to CBS News.
Woods also spoke at her sentencing, saying, “I take responsibility for the conduct and for the offenses to which I pleaded guilty, and I know that an apology cannot undo the harm,” she said, per a statement. “For many years, I was entrusted with evidence that could have profound consequences for defendants, victims, families and the courts. I failed that responsibility. I am deeply sorry for that failure and for the consequences that followed.”
The state will pay a pretty penny for hiring Woods and letting her rock for so many years (Woods worked for the CBI from January 1994 until November 2023).
The CBI says it will spend more than $11 million to retest and reexamine any case related to Woods. And that number doesn’t come close to what may be paid out in the dozens of lawsuits surely coming the state’s way.
But the real debt is to the many, many people who were unfairly jailed, or who didn’t receive justice for crimes because of Woods’ actions. There is no amount of money that can make up for that.
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