A former forensic analyst with the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) pleaded guilty Tuesday to four felony counts related to accusations of manipulating and omitting data in the DNA testing process. Yvonne “Missy” Woods entered guilty pleas to committing a cybercrime, perjury, attempting to influence a public servant, and forgery as part of a plea agreement that saw dozens of other counts dismissed.
Woods, who resigned in 2023 after a lengthy career, faces a prison sentence of between 8 and 16 years when she is sentenced in September. She and her legal team declined to comment to reporters following the hearing.
Authorities accused Woods of altering data to conceal tampering, deleting information that showed she failed to troubleshoot testing issues, and not adequately documenting tests in case records. The investigation into her alleged misconduct began in September 2023 after an intern discovered missing information in a case Woods handled in 2018. An arrest affidavit states Woods admitted at one point to investigators that she had changed data to expedite case completion.
Problems identified in Woods' work spanned cases involving homicide, sexual assault, robbery, and other crimes, according to a law enforcement affidavit. As a result, prosecutors have been compelled to review hundreds of cases.
The scandal has already led to the overturning of at least one murder conviction. Michael Clark was released from prison in 2025 after his lawyers successfully argued that Woods mishandled DNA evidence in his case. Prosecutors are reportedly seeking to retry Clark.
In at least two homicide cases, defendants received reduced sentences through plea deals due to prosecutors' concerns that Woods' involvement with the DNA evidence could lead to acquittals had the cases gone to trial. Convictions in other cases are also being challenged in Colorado courts.
State officials estimate that the response to Woods' actions could cost upwards of $11 million. The CBI stated that Woods' conduct was intentional criminal fraud and does not represent the bureau's standard practices. Bureau Director Armando Saldate emphasized accountability, stating, “This moment is not about moving on, for CBI it’s about moving forward.” The bureau has indicated it is implementing changes and is committed to adhering to nationwide best practices in forensic science.