Editor's note: The cellphone messages included here are verbatim from the criminal complaint, unedited, including grammatical errors.
BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Lehigh County District Attorney Gavin Holihan announced more than 100 additional criminal charges Wednesday against County Commissioner Zachary Cole-Borghi, alleging he used his cellphone to conduct drug transactions over nearly two years.
Prosecutors allege the activity occurred at multiple locations, including Cole-Borgi’s home in the 700 block of Spring Street in Bethlehem, a relative’s home in the 300 block of 6th Avenue, at Bethlehem City Hall —where he was employed as the city’s Right-to-Know officer — and in Upper Saucon Township.
Investigators also allege Cole-Borghi facilitated a drug transaction during a meeting of the Lehigh County Board of Commissioners.
Lengthy criminal complaints contained more than 150 pages of transcripts of messages allegedly sent between Cole-Borghi and cooperating sources for the prosecution.
Those messages show negotiations on the price of drugs, including marijuana/THC products and cocaine, as well as arranging for delivery and purchase.
Some of those conversations are outlined below.
October 29, 2024
Cole-Borghi: Yo buddy
Cole-Borghi: When you out of work today?
Cooperating source: No work today bother man
Cooperating source: I am free all day
Cole-Borghi: Word. I need a half my guy. Can you meet me on my lunch break?
Cooperating source: Yes when and where?
Cooperating source: 65$ halves
Cole-Borghi: Can you meet me at my house at like 11:30?
Cooperating source: Yessir I will lyk when im on my way
Cole-Borghi: Ok perfect and I’ll let you know if my meeting runs over or shorter…
(Later) Cole-Borghi: It’s just finishing up my guy I’m at city hall but still should be right there!
Cole-Borghi: I’m sorry man, the mayor loves to talk
Cooperating source: You all good boss man take your time I’m in no rush
Cole-Borghi: If you want you can put it in the fridge on the front porch and I’ll send you the money so you don’t have wait
April 23, 2025
Cole-Borghi: I’m at my commissioner meeting now. Could be done anytime between 8 and 930 but I’ll hit you up and let you know when I’m coming.
Cooperating source: Ok
Cole-Borghi: Ending soon buddy we’re at the closing agenda items.
May 14, 2025
Cole-Borghi: Need 3 balls
Cooperating source: I got u stand by
Cole-Borghi: OK
Cole-Borghi: I will have to meet before my meeting though hopefully before 530
Cooperating source: Bro when.You orders u have to give me a heads up especially with today weather u got give me few hrs heads up buddy
Cole-Borghi: Got you. I assumed you were in the area.
Cooperating source: Naw bro I work in New York.
Cooperating source: I be haveign my peoples out thefe
Cooperating source: I can have it in a hr
Cole-Borghi: I got you. Let me know if your bro can meet me I should be able to be on the meeting through my phone if anything
July 1, 2025
Cole-Borghi: Yo buddy I gotta come by for 3 balls. I got the money early this time lol
Cooperating source: Call u in 15 min it stand by
Cole-Borghi: I cam come after work at 4 if that is better?
Cole-Borghi: Not in a rush I just wanted to get it set up
Cooperating source: Bet I got you
Cooperating source: I can get your order done maybe hsve it ready by 4 if I send break now ima go see my guy
Cooperating source: Waiting on him now
Cooperating source: Trying get everything in motion
Cole-Borghi: In a meeting with my boss buddy what’s up
Cooperating source: Bet my bad
Cooperating source: Hit me when u can
Cole-Borghi: Sending the money now though buddy
July 16, 2025
Cole-Borghi: Yo buddy
Cooperating source: Yoo gang
Cole-Borghi: I’m actually gonna need 3
Cooperating source: Send the money now I’ll have it ready for you
Cole-Borghi: You’re not gonna have to go to New York again right? (laughing)
Cooperating source: Naw (laughing)
Cole-Borghi: Ok cool. Want me to meet you on my lunch break?
Cooperating source: Yeah what time your break I just call my man’s he gonna have that ready for me
Cole-Borghi: 11am
Cooperating source: If I send now I can have ready by 12
Cole-Borghi was taken into custody Wednesday morning in Bethlehem, arraigned on the new charges and sent to Lehigh County Prison, Holihan's office said in a release.
Bail in the new criminal cases was set at $500,000 straight cash.
The new charges stem from a broader investigation tied to the 12th Investigating Grand Jury, which previously identified Cole-Borghi as one of about 40 people involved in a large-scale, multi-state drug ring.
