A local elected official in Pennsylvania is facing extensive felony drug charges following an investigation that authorities say uncovered evidence of repeated narcotics transactions over a nearly two-year period.
Zachary Borghi, a Democratic commissioner in Lehigh County, was arrested and arraigned in late March in connection with the case. He remains in custody at the Lehigh County Jail after failing to post $500,000 bail.
Prosecutors allege that Borghi faces a wide range of charges, including 89 counts of criminal use of a communication facility, 14 counts related to the delivery of cocaine, and an additional count involving the delivery of psilocybin mushrooms. The charges stem from what investigators describe as a detailed review of digital communications spanning from November 2023 through August 2025.
According to the Lehigh County District Attorney’s Office, the case was built in part through forensic analysis of Borghi’s cellphone and Apple iCloud data. Authorities say the records include text messages that appear to show arrangements for drug transactions taking place across multiple locations, including his home, a relative’s residence, government offices, and other sites within the region.
Among the more serious allegations, prosecutors claim that Borghi conducted or facilitated drug-related communications during official public events. These include a Lehigh County Board of Commissioners meeting and a “Peace and Justice Symposium” held at Northampton Community College. Investigators say they were able to match timestamps from text messages with video recordings of public meetings, strengthening the case.
Lehigh County District Attorney Gavin Holihan said the investigation initially identified Borghi through a broader grand jury probe before additional evidence led to the current charges.
“The grand jury put him on our radar,” Holihan said. “Additional investigation and evidence obtained afterward led to today’s charges.”
The case is connected to a wider, multi-state narcotics investigation involving an organization authorities have referred to as “Death Before Dirt.” The group is alleged to have operated a large-scale marijuana distribution network across several states, including Pennsylvania, New York, Illinois, and Wisconsin.
Borghi was previously arrested in August 2025 as part of that broader investigation, along with more than 20 other individuals. At that time, he faced charges related to marijuana possession with intent to deliver. He was released after posting $50,000 bail, and those initial court records were sealed during the grand jury process.
Unlike some other individuals involved in the earlier phase of the investigation, Borghi was not charged with participating in a corrupt organization at that time.
Following his initial arrest, Borghi publicly denied any wrongdoing. In a statement, he said he had “never sold drugs to anyone” and described the accusations as politically motivated and a violation of his constitutional rights. He has not issued a new public statement following the latest charges.
Despite the earlier arrest, Borghi was reelected to a second term as commissioner in November 2025. However, after his most recent arrest, he was terminated from his position. As of early April, his name still appears on the county’s official website, though without updated details regarding his status.
The case raises broader questions about oversight and accountability for elected officials, particularly when criminal allegations intersect with public duties. Prosecutors have emphasized the seriousness of the charges, noting the alleged use of government settings and public events in connection with the activity under investigation.
Legal proceedings are expected to continue in the coming months, with potential pretrial hearings and motions likely to shape how evidence—particularly digital communications—is presented in court.
Borghi is presumed innocent unless proven guilty, and the charges against him will ultimately be tested through the judicial process. If convicted, he could face significant penalties given the volume and severity of the alleged offenses.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have not ruled out additional developments as they continue to examine evidence connected to the broader narcotics operation.
