Legal services expert Maria Cerino has established a successful career as a criminal intelligence analyst. Since 2021, she has worked with the Delaware County District Attorney’s Office, where she specializes in narcotics, homicide, and general crimes cases. Her varied responsibilities include creating intelligence packets, conducting forensic extractions on cell phones, transcribing prison calls, and more. She also manages two federal grants for the narcotics unit, ensuring resources are effectively allocated to support law enforcement efforts.
Ms. Cerino’s experience also includes working as a managing paralegal at Simon & Simon PC Injury Lawyers in Pittsburgh. In this capacity, she oversaw legal operations and provided critical support in personal injury cases. She began her career as a paralegal in the homicide unit of the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office, where she gained invaluable experience in the field.
Laying an educational foundation critical to her career, Ms. Cerino earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Gwynedd Mercy University in 2014, followed by a master’s degree in intelligence and crime analysis from Saint Joseph’s University in 2022. To further her knowledge and expertise in the field, she is pursuing a master’s degree in cybersecurity at Neumann University.
Ms. Cerino achieved a major milestone in 2023 by receiving the inaugural Outstanding Intelligence Support Award from the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) program. As a key member of the HIDTA initiative, she played a crucial role in fostering collaboration across departments dedicated to combating drug trafficking. Building on this accomplishment, she has been nominated for the program’s Investigative Support Award.
Ms. Cerino believes her determination and persistence set her apart as a criminal intelligence analyst. Even when faced with challenges, she remains steadfast in her pursuit of answers. Additionally, she credits her success to the unwavering support of her family, including her parents and siblings, who have played an instrumental role in her journey.
Looking ahead, Ms. Cerino is pursuing her second master’s degree in cybersecurity at Newman University with plans to graduate in May 2026. She aims to continue making a meaningful impact in her work, enhance her skills as an analyst, and mentor new team members, guiding them in her practices and inspiring them to reach their goals. Outside her professional endeavors, Ms. Cerino volunteers as a softball coach and enjoys reading, spending time with her niece and nephew, and cherishing moments with her Yorkipoo, Trotter.