A Democrat elected official has been arrested following a grand jury investigation into a multi-state drug operation. Lehigh County Commissioner Zach Cole-Borghi was among 22 individuals taken into custody after a three-year probe. He was detained at Bethlehem City Hall and later released on $50,000 bail.
Bethlehem Human Resources Director Michelle Cichocki stated, “The only information that I can provide is that Zach Cole-Borghi is no longer an employee of the City of Bethlehem,” according to Lehigh Valley News. Authorities seized over $100,000 in cash, cryptocurrency, 25 firearms, 2,000 pounds of marijuana, cocaine, MDMA pills, and two clandestine drug labs.
Cole-Borghi faces charges including possession with intent to deliver a pound of marijuana and possession of marijuana. His alleged role in the drug ring remains unspecified. The Lehigh County Drug Task Force, supported by federal and local agencies, executed 26 search warrants and reviewed 283 financial accounts. Other arrests occurred across multiple jurisdictions, with suspects set to appear in court on September 3 for preliminary hearings.
Cole-Borghi, a Democrat elected to Lehigh County Commission District 3 in 2021, did not immediately respond to requests for comment. His previous role as legal assistant and open-records officer with the solicitor’s office was confirmed by city officials.