On November 7, 2011, the Honorable Judge James Holman sentenced Angel Smith, 29, of Visalia, to serve eight years in state prison for her role in a crime spree that targeted seniors in the community. Smith was the last defendant to be sentenced in the crime ring which included defendants: Melissa Costello, 22, of Fresno; Shanna Ephrem, 29, of Visalia; Melanie Davis, 27, of Visalia; Marie Tennis, 34, of Visalia; and, Nicky Marks, 23, of Visalia.

In November and December of 2010, the defendants conspired to steal from seniors and to burglarize the homes of seniors by entering the residences through false pretenses. The defendants used a number of schemes to talk their way into homes and distract the residents as another defendant walked through the home and stole valuables, cash, and credit cards.

Angel Smith entered a no contest plea on October 17, 2011 to 34 felonies and 3 misdemeanors and also admitted that she served a prior term in state prison. Smith was convicted of eleven strike offenses under California’s Three Strikes Law. On November 7, 2011, Smith was sentenced to an eight year prison term.

Shanna Ephrem entered a no contest plea on October 6, 2011 to 19 felonies and 3 misdemeanors. Ephram was convicted of three strike offenses under the Three Strikes Law. On November 1, 2011, Ephrem was sentenced to serve six years in state prison.

Melissa Costello entered a no contest plea on August 18, 2011 to 32 felonies and 3 misdemeanors. Costello was convicted of ten strike offenses under the Three Strikes Law. On October 5, 2011, Costello was sentenced to serve six years in state prison.

Melanie Davis entered a no contest plea on August 10, 2011 to eight felonies and one misdemeanor. Davis was convicted of four strike offenses under the Three Strikes Law. On October 17, 2011, Davis was sentenced to serve four years in state prison.

Marie Tennis entered a no contest plea on August 10, 2011 to eight felonies and one misdemeanor. Tennis was convicted of two strike offenses under the Three Strikes Law. On September 8, 2011, Tennis was sentenced to serve two years in state prison.

On June 6, 2011, Nicky Marks entered a guilty plea to two felony counts. Marks was convicted of one strike offense under the Three Strikes Law. On June 29, 2011, Marks was sentenced to serve one year in county jail.
All defendants were ordered to pay restitution to the victims in addition to fines.

This case was investigated by Detective Brian Young of the Visalia Police Department and prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Andrew Caborn of the Tulare County District Attorney’s Office.

Contact Person: Assistant District Attorney, Tim Ward (559) 636-5494