DNA Analyst Charged With 102 Felonies in Massive Scandal
A former Colorado Bureau of Investigation scientist, Yvonne Woods, faces 102 felony charges stemming from the mishandling of DNA evidence in over 1,000 criminal cases. The charges include forgery, influencing a public servant, perjury, and a class 2 felony cybercrime count, carrying a potential sentence of eight to 24 years. Woods’ actions, spanning nearly three decades, have cost the state over $11 million in retesting and legal settlements, jeopardizing numerous convictions and causing significant backlogs in sexual assault cases. The scandal highlights systemic failures within the CBI, prompting calls for increased transparency and reform to address the widespread impact of Woods’ misconduct.
John Q. Hosedrinker