Ex-CBI forensic scientist returns to Colorado to surrender, says attorney

Appearing in front of a judge on Thursday was Yvonne “Missy” Woods, the former forensic scientist at the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) who has been accused of manipulating DNA data.

Denver7 Investigates attended the hearing to learn the latest on the case.

Woods, who was once responsible for handling crucial DNA evidence in the state’s most serious criminal cases, was instructed to give up her passport and was detained on a $50,000 cash or surety bond.

Judge denies PR bond request for Missy Woods due to severity of allegations

Records indicate that as of 4:45 pm on Thursday, Woods is no longer in jail.

She is confronting a total of 102 felony charges, which include 48 counts of trying to influence a public servant, 52 counts of forging a government-issued document, one count of perjury, and one count of cybercrime resulting in damages exceeding $1 million. The cybercrime offense is classified as a Class 2 felony, while the remaining charges are categorized as Class 4 and 5 felonies.

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Woods’s attorney argued in court Thursday that she be given a personal recognizance (PR) bond, claiming Woods has been communicative and cooperative since the investigation started.

Her attorney revealed Woods was out of the state when the warrant was issued for her arrest on Tuesday, and said Woods immediately booked a flight back to Colorado, going straight from the airport to turn herself into the Jefferson County Jail.

Despite the defense attorney’s argument, the judge denied the PR bond, citing the severity of the allegations.

The judge stated that this case is a question of whether science, law enforcement, and the judicial system can be trusted.

Watch Denver7’s breaking news coverage about the 100+ felonies that were filed against Missy Woods Wednesday, and her explanation for the alleged manipulations, in the video below.

Former CBI analyst Missy Woods, accused of mishandling DNA, faces 102 felonies

A few hours after the hearing on Thursday, Woods ducked into a vehicle outside the jail. As of 4:45 p.m., records show she is no longer being held at the jail.

Both friends and foes of Woods were in the courtroom Thursday morning.

One of the cases Woods is accused of mishandling is the murder case of Roger Dean nearly 40 years ago. The man accused of murdering Dean received a lighter sentence than typical and the district attorney pointed to Woods’ alleged handling of DNA in the case for blame.

Dean’s daughter, Tamara Harney, attended Woods’ advisement in Jefferson County on Thursday.

“I wanted to witness Missy Woods finally coming to justice for everything she has done,” she said. “She has damaged further all of the victims, as well as their families, in her action. What she did — that can never be set straight.”

Harney said she intends to attend every hearing possible for Woods’ case.

Woods is next expected in court on Feb. 20 at 2 p.m.

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