A sitting public official in Pennsylvania is now at the center of a drug case that stretches across homes, public buildings, and even government meetings. Lehigh County Commissioner Zachary Cole Borghi faces more than 100 charges tied to alleged cocaine sales.
According to District Attorney Gavin Holihan, the case grew out of a broader investigation before turning directly toward Borghi. “The grand jury put him on our radar,” Holihan said, explaining how additional evidence later connected him to repeated drug activity across multiple locations.
How the Investigation Developed Over Time
The investigation into Zachary Cole Borghi began in May 2024 as part of a larger probe tied to Lehigh County’s 12th Investigating Grand Jury. At that stage, he was not the main focus, just one name among more than 40 individuals.
That changed over time as investigators continued working the case. Borghi was arrested in August 2025 on two drug charges and released after posting $50,000 bail, but the investigation did not stop there and continued building quietly.
After the grand jury case wrapped, Lehigh County launched a separate investigation that brought new evidence into focus. “The grand jury put him on our radar,” District Attorney Gavin Holihan said, describing how additional findings eventually led to more than 100 charges.
Where and How the Alleged Drug Deals Took Place
Investigators say the alleged drug activity tied to Zachary Cole Borghi was not limited to one place, which is what makes this case stand out. According to prosecutors, deals were arranged and carried out across Bethlehem and nearby Upper Saucon Township.
Authorities point to cellphone records showing Borghi used his phone to coordinate transactions between November 2023 and August 2025. Messages were traced to locations including his home, a relative’s residence, and even inside Bethlehem City Hall during working hours.
One of the most serious claims involves activity during a public meeting. “Commissioners’ meetings are recorded on video,” District Attorney Gavin Holihan said, explaining how footage was matched with phone data to place Borghi at the exact time deals were being arranged.
Charges and Political Fallout
Prosecutors filed a wide range of charges against Zachary Cole Borghi, including 89 counts tied to using communication devices for drug activity, 14 counts related to cocaine distribution, and one involving psilocybin. Bail was set at $500,000 after his arrest in Bethlehem.
The case has also triggered immediate reaction inside Lehigh County leadership. Commissioner Chair Geoff Brace called the allegations “very serious,” noting that current rules do not allow removal from office based solely on criminal charges, even at this stage.
Other officials have taken a more direct stance. Commissioner Antonio Pineda said the situation makes it impossible for Borghi to serve effectively, adding that public confidence is already impacted and calling on him to resign immediately for the good of the county.
Endnote
Questions around accountability in public office tend to surface when cases like this move into the courts, especially when alleged actions overlap with official duties. District Attorney Gavin Holihan has pointed to evidence built over time, suggesting this was not isolated behavior.
What comes next will depend on how the legal process unfolds and whether pressure inside Lehigh County grows. With calls for resignation already public, decisions made in the coming months will likely shape how similar cases are handled going forward.