The U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Western District of New York says an Ohio woman has pleaded guilty to a federal methamphetamine charge following a 2025 vehicle stop in the Southern Tier.
According to a July 16, 2026 news release from U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo, Celina Serva, also known as “Ce Ce,” 27, of Akron, Ohio, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra Jr. to possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. The offense carries a statutory maximum penalty of life in prison and a $10,000,000 fine.
Prosecutors say the arrest occurred on or about April 3, 2025, when law enforcement observed a vehicle driven by Serva pull into the driveway of a residence known for drug activity. Serva reportedly approached the front door, then returned to the vehicle and threw a bag back inside after officers pulled in behind her. Four children and Serva’s mother were in the vehicle at the time.
A federal search warrant executed on the vehicle recovered 960 grams of methamphetamine inside the bag, the release says.
The plea stems from an investigation led by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New York Field Division and the Southern Tier Regional Drug Task Force, with involvement by the Jamestown Police Department and the Ellicott Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Adler.
Sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 11, 2027, at 2:00 p.m. before Judge Sinatra.
Context
The U.S. Attorney’s Office described the case as part of “Operation Take Back America,” a Department of Justice initiative referenced in the release. The office provided no additional local incident details in the release.
Reporting note: this summary is based on a press release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Western District of New York and the attached plea document.
