{"id":148556,"date":"2026-03-25T23:58:07","date_gmt":"2026-03-25T23:58:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/148556\/"},"modified":"2026-03-25T23:58:07","modified_gmt":"2026-03-25T23:58:07","slug":"read-transcripts-from-court-docs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/148556\/","title":{"rendered":"Read transcripts from court docs"},"content":{"rendered":"

Purported text messages supporting more than 100 felony charges<\/a> against Lehigh County Commissioner Zachary Cole-Borghi detail a series of alleged drug transactions over the past two years, some of them while Cole-Borghi was at work at Bethlehem City Hall or heading to meetings as a county commissioner.<\/p>\n

In one message string, Cole-Borghi is arranging a drug deal while at a county meeting, according to the affidavit and authorities.<\/p>\n

The messages are between him and people described by police as \u201ccooperating sources.\u201d Police say the conversations were regarding the sale of drugs, including cocaine and marijuana.<\/p>\n

In some cases, Cole-Borghi references being at work (he was Bethlehem\u2019s Right to Know officer before being fired<\/a> following his arrest in August on separate charges<\/a>) or at events related to his position at Lehigh County commissioner. In others, he mentions being with family, according to court documents.<\/p>\n

Here are excerpts of some of those text message conversations:<\/p>\n

Dec. 25-26, 2023<\/p>\n

In a thread that begins on Christmas that police says involved the sale of marijuana and THC products, Cole-Borghi reveals to the source that he works at Bethlehem City Hall:<\/p>\n

Cooperating Source: It\u2019s $200 for QP or $350 on hp of shake<\/p>\n

I\u2019ll throw in a cart too<\/p>\n

COLE BORGHI: I appreciate it man! Tomorrow is perfect<\/p>\n

Cooperating Source: For which order you want?<\/p>\n

COLE BORGHI: I\u2019ll take the hp<\/p>\n

Cooperating Source: Okay nice. I got you bro. It\u2019s put together and comes with free cart<\/p>\n

COLE BORGHI: Fantastic<\/p>\n

Cooperating Source: What time you up?<\/p>\n

COLE BORGHI: I work at 8am I\u2019m up early but I can step away for a break<\/p>\n

Cooperating Source: I\u2019ll be to you at like 6:30-7am<\/p>\n

Cooperating Source: Coming ya way<\/p>\n

COLE BORGHI: Hang tight. I\u2019m already at the office my guy. Had to open up early<\/p>\n

Cooperating Source: That\u2019s cool im gonna be in ya area<\/p>\n

Cooperating Source: Wydforwork<\/p>\n

Cooperating Source: Want me to drop it to ya sister and you send me the money?<\/p>\n

COLE BORGHI: That would of been perfect but I have cash. I work at city hall so I can\u2019t meet around here but I can meet you on my lunch at 11?<\/p>\n

Cooperating Source: Oh okay I could drop to here and just meet you for the bread<\/p>\n

March 8-9, 2025<\/p>\n

On these dates, police allege, Cole-Borghi arranged to sell two \u201c8-balls\u201d of cocaine for $400 outside a store in west Bethlehem. At one point, he tells the source he\u2019s at a child\u2019s birthday party:<\/p>\n

Cooperating Source 4: Yo<\/p>\n

COLE BORGHI: Yoyo<\/p>\n

Cooperating Source 4: You still want a taste?<\/p>\n

Cooperating Source 4: You put it in my head<\/p>\n

COLE BORGHI: fol I\u2019m good!<\/p>\n

Cooperating Source 4: So, no deals today?<\/p>\n

COLE BORGHI: Oh you need some?<\/p>\n

Cooperating Source 4: You got me craving<\/p>\n

COLE BORGHI: lol<\/p>\n

COLE BORGHI: I can reach out but I\u2019m at Chuck E. Cheese right now for [REDACTED] bday I\u2019ll hit you\/him up when this is all done<\/p>\n

Cooperating Source 4: Around what time?<\/p>\n

Cooperating Source 4: And Happy Birthday<\/p>\n

COLE BORGHI: 3\/4<\/p>\n

Cooperating Source 4: Sounds good!<\/p>\n

March 19-20<\/p>\n

About 10 days after that conversation, Cole-Borghi arranges to sell additional cocaine to the source, police allege. At this time, he\u2019s attending the Peace and Justice Symposium at Northampton Community College.<\/p>\n

Cooperating Source 4: What time do you work till<\/p>\n

COLE BORGHI: I have a board meeting at 330 and should be done by 530 but then I have to go speak at the mosque at 6 for the Ramadan iftar.<\/p>\n

I should be taking my board meeting from home at 330 though<\/p>\n

I\u2019ll let you know<\/p>\n

Cooperating Source 4: Not gonna work out<\/p>\n

Can we work something out for after I get out at 4 tomorrow?<\/p>\n

COLE BORGHI: Yea he is back tomorrow how much do you want me to grab you?<\/p>\n

Cooperating Source 4: 2 balls.<\/p>\n

But I don\u2019t want to have to come back to Bethlehem<\/p>\n

COLE BORGHI: Ok I\u2019ll set it up but I\u2019m not out of work until 430 lol<\/p>\n

If you can bring the money before it will be easier<\/p>\n

Cooperating Source 4: I don\u2019t go in until noon. Want me to come to the job?<\/p>\n

COLE BORGHI: Do you have cash app?<\/p>\n

Cooperating Source 4: No<\/p>\n

COLE BORGHI: If you can download it I can get it over to him faster and have it tonight for you to give you at 12 tomorrow?<\/p>\n

Cooperating Source 4: Hold please. Is this a legit app?<\/p>\n

COLE BORGHI: It\u2019s like Venmo and it\u2019s very legit lol<\/p>\n

You geezer<\/p>\n

Cooperating Source 4: Ok I have it. Don\u2019t know how to use it lol<\/p>\n

COLE BORGHI: My cash app is: [sends his Cash App handle with a QR Code]\n<\/p>\n

You gotta type it in with the$ first<\/p>\n

Yup!<\/p>\n

Cooperating Source 4: Get it?<\/p>\n

COLE BORGHI: Yes I did!<\/p>\n

Cooperating Source 4: Take a taste<\/p>\n

I can be near you around 11 :30 if that works?<\/p>\n

COLE BORGHI: Awesome and sounds good!<\/p>\n

The next day\u00a0<\/p>\n

COLE BORGHI: Hey I\u2019m gonna be at Northampton community college at that you want to meet but I will bring it with me. I have to attend a justice symposium<\/p>\n

Cooperating Source 4: I have to clock in at noon. You tell me<\/p>\n

Do you want me to try to meet earlier or after work?<\/p>\n

Cooperating Source 4: If you can stop by NCC around 11 or so I can come out and meet you?<\/p>\n

Parked at D5<\/p>\n

Cooperating Source 4: Ok<\/p>\n

COLE BORGHI: I\u2019m already out here in the car taking a break so I\u2019ll be here for you to meet me and won\u2019t have to wait<\/p>\n

Do you have a weed pen on you?? lol<\/p>\n

Cooperating Source 4: Leaving now<\/p>\n

Cooperating Source 4: I can bring one<\/p>\n

COLE BORGHI: (responds with a praying hands emoji)<\/p>\n

My stomach is killing me lol<\/p>\n

Moved toA6<\/p>\n

Cooperating Source 4: Just got to D5lol<\/p>\n

COLE BORGHI: lol<\/p>\n

July 1, 2025<\/p>\n

While discussing a transaction in which Cole-Borghi allegedly sells cocaine, he and the source joke about his position as a county commissioner.<\/p>\n

Cooperating Source 4: Yo<\/p>\n

COLE BORGHI: Yerr<\/p>\n

Cooperating Source 4: I\u2019m going to be ready for 3 on Thursday. Does that work<\/p>\n

COLE BORGHI: That works I\u2019ll get it set up do you want me to grab tomorrow so you can grab it on the way to work?<\/p>\n

Cooperating Source 4: Yeah, that works<\/p>\n

COLE BORGHI: Just send over the money when you can and I\u2019ll have it ready for you and the 2 shroom pills<\/p>\n

Your my cash app sugar mama with the clothes and food (laughing emoji)<\/p>\n

Cooperating Source 4: \u201cCounty commissioner moonlights as escort\u201d (laughing emoji)<\/p>\n

COLE BORGHI: Laughed at \u201cCounty commissioner moonlights as escort\u201d<\/p>\n

April 23-25, 2025<\/p>\n

One of the affidavits includes strings of text messages between Cole-Borghi and another source regarding cocaine deals, police said. Police said video of the Lehigh County Commissioners meeting on April 23 shows Cole-Borghi on his cell phone at a time that coincides with the text messages.<\/p>\n

COLE BORGHI: Hey buddy can I come see you after my meeting I just need 1<\/p>\n

Cooperating Source 3: Yea<\/p>\n

COLE BORGHI: I\u2019m at my commissioner meeting now. Could be done anytime between 8 and 930 but I\u2019ll hit you up and let you know when\u00a0 I\u2019m Coming<\/p>\n

Cooperating Source 3: Ok<\/p>\n

COLE BORGHI: Ending soon buddy we\u2019re at the closing agenda items<\/p>\n

Cooperating Source 3: Ok<\/p>\n

COLE BORGHI: On my way<\/p>\n

Cooperating Source 3: Ok<\/p>\n

COLE BORGHI: Pulling up in 2 mins<\/p>\n

Cooperating Source 3: Here<\/p>\n

Cooperating Source 3: When h gonna send that bro I got pay the guy<\/p>\n

COLE BORGHI: Did you ever get it?<\/p>\n

Cooperating Source 3: No I did not<\/p>\n

COLE BORGHI: I\u2019m sending again right now let me know if you get it<\/p>\n

Jan. 31, 2025<\/p>\n

Cooperating Source 2: Vo brother man they let me out a little early I\u2019m omw<\/p>\n

About 15 min<\/p>\n

COLE BORGHI: Awesome! I\u2019ll meet you out front<\/p>\n

You wouldn\u2019t happen to be stopping at a gas station\/wawa by any chance?<\/p>\n

I\u2019ll get you something for dinner if you can grab me cigs and game<\/p>\n

Cooperating Source 2: lol I would but I do not have my id on me<\/p>\n

I left my wallet in my girls car<\/p>\n

COLE BORGHI: All good my guy! Meet me out front for the stuff and I\u2019ll send you the Dough my dude<\/p>\n

Cooperating Source 2: Snm my guy<\/p>\n

COLE BORGHI: What does snm stand for? Loi<\/p>\n

Cooperating Source 2: Say no more<\/p>\n

It\u2019s a habit<\/p>\n

I say it to everyone lol<\/p>\n

30 sec boss man<\/p>\n

COLE BORGHI: Coming out<\/p>\n

(APPLE CASH CONFIRMATION}<\/p>\n

COLE BORGHI: Thank you again my guy. I\u2019m sure you are exhausted<\/p>\n

Cooperating Source 2: Anytime brother man and I snuck my pen into work today so it wasn\u2019t terrible<\/p>\n

COLE BORGHI: Laughed at \u201cAnytime brother man and I snuck my pen into work t \u2026 \u201c<\/p>\n

COLE BORGHI: If you can get a cdl I can get you into the city doing cake work and building a pension if your<\/p>\n

Start doing seasonal if you don\u2019t have a cdl but happy to help you in<\/p>\n

Cooperating Source 2: I would be very interested in that how would I get my CDL just to classes and a test<\/p>\n

COLE BORGHI: If* you were labeled unemployed, career link would pay for it free of charge. Not sure if the newest admin is still supporting<\/p>\n

But trust me you would not be disappointed<\/p>\n

It\u2019s worth it man.<\/p>\n

Cooperating Source 2: definitely going to look into it I really appreciate this my man<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Purported text messages supporting more than 100 felony charges against Lehigh County Commissioner Zachary Cole-Borghi detail a series…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":148557,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[14],"tags":[119,153,155,154,1391,202,433,182,139,434,28,50,432],"class_list":["post-148556","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-bethlehem","tag-allentown","tag-bethlehem","tag-bethlehem-headlines","tag-bethlehem-news","tag-bethlehem-area","tag-crime-and-public-safety","tag-lehigh-county","tag-local-news","tag-news","tag-northampton-county","tag-pennsylvania","tag-politics","tag-top-stories-tmc"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/148556","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=148556"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/148556\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/148557"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=148556"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=148556"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=148556"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}