Former CBI Forensic Analyst Yvonne “Missy” Woods Sentenced for Criminal Misconduct

Description: Former CBI forensic analyst Yvonne “Missy” Woods was sentenced for criminal misconduct as CBI outlines laboratory reforms, audits, and steps to restore public trust...

Colorado Bureau of Investigation Statement on Sentencing of Former Forensic Analyst Yvonne "Missy" Woods

September 8, 2026 – CBI –  Lakewood, CO –Today former Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) forensic analyst Yvonne "Missy" Woods was sentenced for criminal conduct committed during her employment with the CBI.

This sentencing marks an important milestone in a difficult chapter for the CBI and victims, families, prosecutors, law enforcement agencies, defense attorneys, and communities affected by Woods' actions.

Woods' actions were criminal and today she was held accountable for her misconduct. It was a violation of the law and a betrayal of the scientific standards and professional values that define the CBI and its forensic laboratories. CBI has taken aggressive action to reform our laboratories to strengthen public trust and ensure that victims, the public safety community, and the state can be confident in the results produced by our hardworking staff. 

Her actions do not reflect the work or integrity of the men and women of CBI.

Since Woods' misconduct was uncovered, CBI commissioned a landmark independent audit confirming that CBI's forensic laboratories are operating within national best practices and that the bureau has made substantial progress in strengthening its systems and culture. Many findings and recommendations from that Forward Resolutions Audit and Assessment Report  released in July of 2025 are in progress and more are planned for the coming years. CBI Forensic Services was also audited by the Office of the State Auditor marking a lengthy period of external assessment and auditing over the last two years. CBI is now evolving as one of the preeminent investigative agencies nationwide.

CBI is mindful that behind every case number is a person. The enormous effort undertaken over the past two plus years to rectify Woods' actions has not simply been about reviewing laboratory procedures. It has been about doing everything possible to provide confidence and answers to the victims who were affected by Woods' misconduct.

"This sentencing does not change the impact of what occurred, but it does mark another step forward," said CBI Director Armando Saldate. "The actions of one individual never define this organization, and they do not define the dedicated public servants who continued showing up every day with integrity. I am proud of the ways the CBI has improved and reformed our laboratories to ensure that victims in Colorado get answers."

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