A federal grand jury in Buffalo has indicted Celina Serva, also known as Ce Ce, a 26-year-old resident of Akron, Ohio, on a charge of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced the indictment, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison, up to life imprisonment, and a potential $10 million fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Donna Duncan stated that the investigation began on March 28, 2025, when the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Southern Tier Regional Drug Task Force, and the Jamestown Metro Drug Task Force started looking into narcotics sales and distribution in the Town of Ellicott. The investigation included surveillance and controlled purchases of narcotics.
On April 3, 2025, investigators executed a search warrant at a residence in Ellicott. They seized multiple controlled substances, a shotgun, and a large amount of cash. According to authorities, further investigation identified Serva as the source of supply for these drugs. Later that same day, Serva was arrested while attempting to deliver methamphetamine to the residence. She was found with approximately 975 grams of suspected crystal methamphetamine.
Serva appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer for arraignment and was released under conditions.
The case is part of Operation Take Back America. “Operation Take Back America is a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime,” according to officials. The operation coordinates efforts from both the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
The indictment stems from an investigation by several agencies: The DEA New York Field Division led by Special Agent-in-Charge Frank A. Tarentino III; the Southern Tier Regional Drug Task Force under Chautauqua County Sheriff James Quattrone; and the Ellicott Police Department under Chief Daniel Ingrao.
Authorities emphasized: “The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.”
