A federal grand jury has indicted Celina Serva, also known as Ce Ce, a 26-year-old resident of Akron, Ohio, on charges of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. The charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and could result in up to life imprisonment and a $10 million fine.
According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Donna Duncan, the indictment and an earlier complaint state that the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Southern Tier Regional Drug Task Force, and Jamestown Metro Drug Task Force began investigating narcotics sales in Ellicott, New York on March 28, 2025. The investigation involved surveillance operations and controlled purchases. On April 3, 2025, authorities executed a search warrant at an Ellicott residence where they seized various controlled substances, a shotgun, and a large amount of cash. Investigators later identified Serva as the supplier.
Serva was arrested on April 3 while attempting to deliver methamphetamine to the same residence. Law enforcement officers found her in possession of approximately 975 grams of suspected crystal methamphetamine.
Serva appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer for arraignment and was released under certain conditions.
The case is part of Operation Take Back America. According to the press release: "This case is part of Operation Take Back America, 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. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN)."
The investigation was conducted by multiple agencies including the DEA New York Field Division led by Special Agent-in-Charge Frank A. Tarentino III; Southern Tier Regional Drug Task Force under Chautauqua County Sheriff James Quattrone; and Ellicott Police Department led by Chief Daniel Ingrao.
Authorities emphasized that “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.”
