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 after posting $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.” Authorities seized over $100,000 in cash, cryptocurrency, 25 firearms, 2,000 pounds of marijuana, narcotics, and two clandestine drug labs. Cole-Borghi faces charges including possession with intent to deliver marijuana and possession of the substance. His specific role in the operation remains undisclosed.

The Lehigh County Drug Task Force, alongside federal, state, and local agencies, executed 26 search warrants and reviewed 283 financial accounts. Additional arrests occurred across multiple jurisdictions, with suspects set for preliminary hearings on September 3. Cole-Borghi, a Democrat elected to Lehigh County Commission District 3 in 2021, did not immediately respond to requests for comment. His employment with the city ended prior to the arrest.