Former Colorado Bureau of Investigation employee Yvonne "Missy" Woods pleaded guilty Tuesday, in a DNA fraud case that prompted the agency to undertake sweeping operational reforms.

CBI Director Armando Saldate described Woods' actions as intentional criminal fraud carried out by a single individual, stating the conduct was not reflective of CBI's institutional practices or mission.

"This moment is not about moving on, for CBI it's about moving forward," said Saldate. "Today's guilty plea is an important moment of accountability."

CBI said the reforms it has undertaken go beyond routine compliance and reflect a commitment to national best practices in forensic science. Additional operational improvements to the agency's laboratory systems are underway, with the goal of ensuring the highest standards of accuracy and accountability.

CBI acknowledged the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, and the First Judicial District Attorney's Office for their work in the case.