Lehigh County Democratic Commissioner Zach Cole-Borghi was arrested Thursday as part of a multi-state drug investigation that authorities say has been ongoing for several years. Cole-Borghi, who also served as Bethlehem City Hall\u2019s open records officer, faces charges of marijuana possession and possession with intent to deliver approximately one pound of the drug. He was released on a \\$50,000 bond pending further legal proceedings.<\/p>\n
District Attorney Gavin Holihan described the case as a \u201cwide-ranging, multi-jurisdictional\u201d probe involving Pennsylvania, Illinois, New York, and Wisconsin. The investigation has already led to 22 arrests. Holihan noted that arrests were made recently in Chicago and Wisconsin, with multiple warrants served across Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey, highlighting the extensive reach of the operation.<\/p>\n
Authorities seized over \\$100,000 in cash, cryptocurrency accounts, 2,000 pounds of marijuana, and large quantities of THC, MDMA, and liquid cocaine. Additionally, investigators recovered at least 25 firearms, including semi-automatic rifles and ghost guns, and dismantled two illegal THC labs.<\/p>\n
Cole-Borghi, a first-term Democrat who ran unopposed in the District 3 primary earlier this year, resigned from his Bethlehem city position following his arrest, confirmed by Human Resources Director Michelle Cichocki. District Attorney Holihan declined to elaborate on Cole-Borghi\u2019s specific involvement due to the ongoing grand jury investigation.<\/p>\n
Local officials called the case \u201cdistressing\u201d and \u201cdisheartening.\u201d Lehigh County Executive Phil Armstrong noted Cole-Borghi remains on the November ballot unless a court removes him. Republican challenger Jacqueline Rivera emphasized accountability, stating the community deserves trustworthy leaders prioritizing integrity and transparency.<\/p>\n