Pennsylvania Democrat Arrested in ‘Massive Multi-State Drug Investigation’

A Democrat commissioner in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania, has been arrested in connection with what authorities described as a “wide-ranging, multi-jurisdictional” drug conspiracy spanning several years and multiple states.

Commissioner Zach Cole-Borghi, who also worked as an open records officer at Bethlehem City Hall, was taken into custody by the Lehigh County Drug Task Force with help from the Bethlehem Police Department and other agencies.

Cole-Borghi faces charges of possession of marijuana and possession with intent to deliver a pound of marijuana.

He was released after posting $50,000 bond.

Lehigh County District Attorney Gavin Holihan revealed during a press conference that the investigation had stretched across state lines for more than three years.

“This is a wide-ranging, as I said, multi-jurisdictional investigation, which included people yesterday who were arrested in the City of Chicago and the State of Wisconsin,” Holihan said, according to local outlet Lehigh Valley Live.

“And there are warrants for people in multiple counties in Pennsylvania, as well as the state of New York, I believe the state of New Jersey, Philadelphia — so a wide-ranging conspiracy.”

Authorities confirmed that 22 individuals were arrested as part of the probe.

Holihan said law enforcement seized a massive haul of evidence, including:

Over $100,000 in cash
Crypto accounts
More than 2,000 pounds of marijuana
Large quantities of THC, liquid cocaine, and MDMA pills
At least 25 firearms, including semi-automatic rifles and “ghost guns”

In addition, two clandestine labs manufacturing illegal THC products were discovered and dismantled by the Pennsylvania State Police.

Bethlehem Human Resources Director Michelle Cichocki confirmed Friday that Cole-Borghi is no longer employed by the city.

However, he has not resigned his county commissioner seat.

His name will remain on the November ballot because the legal deadlines for withdrawal and replacement have already passed.

Lehigh County Executive Phil Armstrong said county officials are “monitoring the situation closely.”

Officials will issue a more substantial statement after gathering the facts.

Cole-Borghi’s arrest drew sharp reactions from colleagues.

City Council member Bryan Callahan called the news “distressing,” while Grace Crampsie Smith said it was “disheartening.”

Republican opponent Jacqueline Rivera issued a statement stressing the importance of integrity in public service:

“As community leaders, we are entrusted with a responsibility to uphold the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and service.

“The people of Lehigh County deserve representatives they can trust — leaders who will put families, neighborhoods, and the well-being of our community first.”

For now, Cole-Borghi’s picture still appears on the county commissioners’ website.

However, his biography has been removed, replaced with the message that his “profile information” will be “coming soon.”