By Rana Jones
Kemmerer Gazette
Via- Wyoming News Exchange
KEMMERER — New developments have emerged in the case of E.N., a young child who survived a horrific family tragedy, only to endure further alleged suffering under foster care.
E.N. is the younger sibling of Annabelle Noles, who died in November 2022 in Kemmerer from traumatic injuries inflicted by her babysitter. Now, authorities say that E.N. has suffered abuse at the hands of her foster parent, Vallory Dodson.
Dodson, who had been caring for E.N. and had planned to adopt her, was arrested on Dec. 27, 2024, for alleged child abuse and inflicting physical injury.
The arrest has sparked concern over placement procedures in the foster care system.
The revelation that Dodson had a prior arrest in July 2018 for “alleged unlawful contact—rude, insolent, or angry touch without injury” has left questions about how she was approved as a foster parent.
Kemmerer residents Nancy Orgill and Sheri Paulson had initiated a goodwill effort to honor the memory of Annabelle Noles by raising funds for a chamber of commerce bench in Triangle Park. Leftover funds were intended to establish a college fund for E.N.
A local business, Gunters Lawn and Garden Supply, also donated a tree planted next to a plaque in Diamondville Park in memory of Noles.
Paulson, who had been in communication with Dodson regarding E.N.’s college fund, was taken aback upon discovering that Dodson had been arrested. Expressing her frustration, she asked, “How was E.N. placed in this home?”
She was informed by Kemmerer attorney Kelly Blue that an internal investigation was underway.
Paulson, who works as the Gazette office manager, reached out to Department of Family Services social worker Megan Butler, who has been handling E.N.’s case.
“I just Googled Vallory Dodson and saw she was arrested for child abuse. Was it against E.N? Has she gone to court? What the heck?” she said.
Butler confirmed the news, saying, “Unfortunately yes. It’s all public information now, and it’s so sad.”
Butler admitted she had no prior concerns about Dodson and was shocked by the allegations.
“I was completely caught off guard,” she said.
Butler, who had been conducting monthly visits with E.N., stated that neither she nor E.N.’s doctors or therapists had suspected any abuse.
Despite the lack of awareness from Butler, there was a court order from the Circuit Court in Sweetwater County on Vallory Noel Dodson accused of recklessly inflicting physical injury on a child under the age of 18.
The alleged offense took place on Oct. 17, 2024, in Sweetwater County. Prosecutors state that Dodson was responsible for E.N.’s welfare at the time of the incident.
Dodson is facing a felony child abuse charge. The case was filed by Micaela Lira, Criminal Chief Deputy County and Prosecuting Attorney for Sweetwater County. Court records indicate that the child victim, identified by the initials E.N. (born in 2018), sustained injuries that fall under Wyoming’s legal definition of child abuse.
Under Wyoming statute, child abuse is classified as a felony and, if convicted, Dodson could face up to 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
Authorities launched an investigation after concerns were raised at Washington Elementary School in Green River. On Nov. 11, 2024, school principal Ann Marie Covey contacted Det. Martha Holzgrafe of the Green River Police Department after noticing that E.N. had a visible bruise on the left eye. The child’s teacher, Whitney Harvey, confirmed that E.N. had previously shown signs of bruising, according to court documents.
Covey also noted that the latest bruise appeared to have been concealed with makeup.
Holzgrafe contacted DFS supervisor Betina Angle and advised her of the incident. Holzgrafe also confirmed that E.N. was in state custody and had been placed in a foster home in Sweetwater County with Dodson.
Holzgrafe met with Harvey who, according to court documents, was in tears. Harvey told the detective that shortly after E.N. started school, she began noticing bruises on the child’s face, which often appeared after weekends.
Harvey also said that she received a message from Dodson in October stating that E.N. had a broken right arm. Whitney said she spoke with E.N., who told her the arm injury happened on the playground during recess, but the teacher had not seen the child fall or get hurt.
Dodson allegedly told her the injury occurred on the bus, but Sweetwater County School District #2 Transportation personnel reviewed bus cameras and found no indication that E.N. had hurt herself on the bus, court documents state.
The story then changed again, with Dodson allegedly saying E.N. fell on a stick while walking home.
On Nov. 11, E.N. came to school with a large bruise under her left eye, which was covered with makeup and a Band-Aid, charging documents state. E.N. said it was a scratch from her dog.
Harvey expressed concern that E.N.’s stories about her injuries were inconsistent.
Holzgrafe then spoke with E.N., who at first said she hurt her arm walking home from the bus stop. Then she said it happened at school when she was hurt by a friend during recess. She also mentioned being pushed on the playground but said she wasn’t in a fight, according to court documents.
When the detective spoke with Dodson, she said she wasn’t sure how E.N. broke her arm, but believed it was from a fall, court documents state.
Dodson mentioned that her mother used to be a foster parent and that E.N. had been placed in her home in November 2022. After some back and forth, the detective made note of the different stories about the arm injury.
On Dec. 20, 2024, E.N. allegedly told the detective that Dodson had grabbed her by the ribs and thrown her to the ground, where she landed on her arm. The child said Dodson broke her arm at home and then took her to the emergency room. E.N. also said Dodson told her to lie about how she got hurt, charging documents state.
Medical records show E.N. was taken to Memorial Hospital of Sweetwater County on Oct. 17, 2024, where X-rays revealed a fracture in her arm.
Dodson has pleaded not guilty to the charge. A jury trial is scheduled for 9 a.m. on July 7, in the Third Judicial District Court.
Dodson had been certified as a foster parent in Green River, and Butler emphasized the ongoing need for foster families.
“Foster families is something DFS has always needed more of,” she said, noting the difficulty in retaining them due to financial and logistical challenges.
E.N. had been moved between homes before being placed with Dodson, and Butler initially saw the stability as a good sign. DFS is now actively searching for a permanent adoptive home for E.N. Butler continues to monitor her well-being, working with her new foster family and therapist.
Meanwhile, the financial efforts in E.N.’s name took an unexpected turn when Paulson contacted Dodson to return the college fund donation. Dodson initially replied in an email, “You sent that money to me IN MY NAME. You clearly have NO IDEA what has taken place, but I’ll be happy for my lawyer to contact you regarding the money that you sent to me IN MY NAME.”
Dodson eventually returned the cashier’s check, and Paulson ensured it was deposited into a CD account for E.N.
As Paulson continues to seek justice for E.N. and Annabelle Noles, she urges vigilance in preventing future tragedies.
“It started with raising awareness in our community about child abuse. We do not want this child to be forgotten,” she said. “Let’s not forget what happened in this community and let’s not let it happen again.”
