Lehigh County Commissioner Zach Cole-Borghi found himself at the center of a major drug investigation, culminating in his arrest on Thursday. Authorities in Pennsylvania, along with several other states, have been conducting a wide-ranging probe into drug trafficking that has spanned several years. Cole-Borghi, who also served as the open records officer at Bethlehem City Hall, faces charges of marijuana possession and intent to deliver, with the seized amount reportedly around a pound.
After posting a $50,000 bond, Cole-Borghi was released with further court proceedings pending. District Attorney Gavin Holihan called the operation "multi-jurisdictional," spanning across Pennsylvania, Illinois, New York, and Wisconsin. With 22 arrests so far, the investigation's reach is significant, extending well beyond the confines of Lehigh County.
Officials have seized over $100,000 in cash, various cryptocurrency accounts, more than 2,000 pounds of marijuana, and significant quantities of THC, MDMA, and liquid cocaine. Authorities also confiscated at least 25 firearms, including ghost guns and semi-automatic rifles. The Pennsylvania State Police Clandestine Laboratory Team's involvement in dismantling two illegal THC labs speaks to the operation's complexity.
Following his arrest, Cole-Borghi resigned from his city position, according to Bethlehem Human Resources Director Michelle Cichocki. The specific details of Cole-Borghi's involvement are still under wraps due to an ongoing grand jury investigation, as stated by Holihan.
The revelations have stirred reactions from local officials and colleagues. Bethlehem City Council members expressed their dismay, calling the situation "distressing" and "disheartening." Lehigh County Executive Phil Armstrong discussed the election implications, noting that Cole-Borghi cannot be removed from the November ballot without a court order due to election deadlines. Armstrong assured that the case is under close scrutiny and updates will follow as new details emerge.
The Republican challenger for Cole-Borghi's seat, Jacqueline Rivera, stressed the need for trust and integrity in a statement emphasizing community well-being. This investigation, one of the largest for local law enforcement in recent times, exposes a sophisticated network of alleged drug distribution across multiple states. As the probe continues, the full scope of Cole-Borghi's role is under examination.
This case has reignited discussions on the oversight of public officials and the responsibilities entrusted to elected representatives. The involvement of a commissioner in a large-scale drug operation while in office has implications for political accountability and the upcoming election. With the investigation ongoing and significant evidence already in hand, authorities emphasize the network's scale and the inter-state cooperation necessary to dismantle it.
