Lehigh County Commissioner Zachary Cole-Borghi was taken into custody facing more than 100 new criminal charges related to a large-scale drug trafficking operation.
The new allegations, announced by Lehigh County District Attorney Gavin Holihan, suggest a bold and extensive criminal enterprise that reportedly operated from within the very halls of government.
According to court documents, text messages that Borghi is accused of sending to an unidentified cocaine buyer lists prices for the product and instructions to “meet me at city [h]all when you are out. I’ll come out and get in your car and you will drive me to my house where I will grab your stuff for you.”
Following a forensic review of the commissioner’s cellphone and iCloud records, investigators allege that Cole-Borghi used his device to facilitate drug deals between November 2023 and August 2025. Prosecutors claim the “digital trail” includes over 150 pages of text messages negotiating the sale and delivery of cocaine, marijuana and psilocybin mushrooms.
Perhaps most startling is the allegation that Cole-Borghi facilitated at least one drug transaction during an official meeting of the Lehigh County Board of Commissioners. Prosecutors also allege he sold cocaine while attending a “Peace and Justice Symposium” at Northampton County Community College.
The latest round of charges has prompted immediate calls for Cole-Borghi’s resignation. Commissioner Antonio Pineda stated that the circumstances make it “impossible” for Cole-Borghi to effectively serve, while Board Chair Geoff Brace described the allegations as “very serious.”
Despite the pressure, Cole-Borghi has previously maintained his innocence, previously characterizing the investigation as politically motivated. Lehigh County Executive Josh Siegel noted that while the situation is “challenging,” state law allows a commissioner to remain in office until a conviction occurs.
Cole-Borghi is currently being held in Lehigh County Jail after his bail was set at $500,000 cash. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for early April.
