More than 25,000 DNA samples that could prove an accused person?s innocence or guilt were not analyzed by the Maryland State Police or entered into the DNA database over a three-year period, a new audit of the agency revealed Monday.

“The collection of DNA samples is critical,” said state Sen. Nathaniel McFadden, D-District 45, who co-chairs the state legislature?s Joint Audit Committee. “It?s extremely important. You get a number of people who are convicted who say, ?It wasn?t me.? DNA can establish your guilt or your innocence.”