When Lehigh County Comm'r Zachary Cole Borghi was charged last year with participation in a still mysterious interstate marijuana ring, he loudly protested his innocence from his perch in Lehigh County's meeting room "I am an innocent family man. I am a leader in the community, and I am a dutiful public servant who has been damaged by the mishandling of this investigation,” he asserted, adding that "I intend to identify and bring suit against anyone who maliciously conspired to destroy my reputation.” Not only did he retain his position as Chair of the Courts and Corrections Committee, but he cruised to re-election with 69% of the vote. Yesterday, his hubris ran headlong into reality. In four separate and detailed criminal complaints (you can read them below), Cole-Borghi has been charged with more than 100 criminal charges related to the sale and purchase of cocaine and psilocybin mushrooms over a period of roughly two years. He was still able to participate in last night's meeting of Lehigh County's Board of Commissioners but did so from the county jail. His bond is set at $500,000.
Cole-Borghi is accused of 89 counts of criminal use of his cellphone to arrange drug deals, 14 counts of delivery of cocaine and 1 count of delivery of psilocybin mushrooms. Incredibly, the text messages show that he arranged drug deals from his cell phone during Commissioner meetings, from his job at Bethlehem City Hall (where he complained that he was running late because Mayor Willie Reynolds talks too much) and even during a "Peace and Justice Symposium" conducted by the Lehigh Valley Justice Institute and attended by Lehigh County DA Gavin Holihan.
Cole-Borghi's arrogance in the way he allegedly conducted drug deals and his reaction to the marijuana charges is simply stunning. When he was first charged, Comm'rs John Irons and April Riddick quickly played the race card, noting that black men like him are disproportionately targeted by law enforcement.
While that may be true in some instances, Cole -Borghi's fatal flaw - hubris - has nothing to do with his race. "Whom the gods would destroy, they first make proud." He may have felt he was above the law because he is an elected official but is learning the hard way that he must face the consequences of his own actions.
I suspect the circumstances concerning this prosecution is fertile ground for defense motions, but if this case goes to a jury, I doubt Cole-Borghi gets any sympathy. His refusal to resign his position as a Comm'r could enhance his sentence, as it did to disgraced former Allentown Mayor Edwin Pawlowski. If he were smart, he'd resign now. But as of now, he just looks like someone who thinks he's smarter than everyone.
Oh yeah, he is presumed innocent.
UPDATED: 11:40 - Cole-Borghi was absent at last night's meeting of LC Comm'rs. My evil Republican brother told me he was there but was joking with me. He called me to inform me of my error and then laughed maniacally.
Complaint Zachary Cole Borghi 1 by BernieOHare
Complaint Zachary Cole Borghi 2 by BernieOHare
62 comments:
He should resign immediately. Irons and Riddick should follow. Huge embarrassment for the residents of Lehigh County.
Bernie, I know someone who campaigned for Marion Berry after his conviction. Here in Allentown, Pawlowski was re-elected after being indicted. Truth be known, many minority voters do not care about drug convictions...it's not a blight on the candidate, but a badge, that he knows about "the man" and the "system". Many will find this comment politically incorrect, or worse.
ZC-B is.a Disgraceful, Egotistical Imbecile (DEI). As is his predecessor, Amy Zanelli - talk about irony…
His election speaks volumes about Lehigh County voters' stupidity in the face of race-hustling wokeness. I hope he stays on the board for his full term, and attends more meetings from jail, which was always his final destiny. Lehigh County voters knew this and richly deserve a reprehensible character like him. If he ran for the Congressional nomination or for executive, he'd get it. This is where we are.
Poor black man. Whitey obviously made him do it. Probably wants reparations also.
Hate to say this and I’ll be labeled racist but it’s true. There is a subset in the African American community who believe the rules and laws of society don’t apply to them because of racism. Urban schools have filled these people with so much nonsense that everything and everybody is racist. The system is rigged against them in their minds, so it’s ok to break the law. Black privilege if you will. If you call them on their behavior they immediately play the race card. Liberal whites are their pawns in this charade. Is there racism, of course!!! But this using your race to excuse unlawful behavior hurts everyone, African Americans the most.
Read the MC - Ron B is the only commissioner that has a pair
This post smacks of white supremacy. You have no idea about the black experience in adapting to a white supremist world.
Fed ED may take his position !
So sadly typical now of Lehigh County; namely, a commissioner attending a council meeting from jail, I wonder who will still defend him now.
The audacity of him to say Wee Willie loves to hear himself speak, or likes to talk alot.
Yes, I read Ron's (Beitler) comments on Facebook. What he says makes sense. Cole-Borghi is entitled to the presumption of innocence, but there is no way he can vote for a DA or court budget. He should step down.
I do not. I do know that Cole-Borghi was flying a bit too close to the sun, which affects all of us from time to time.
Of course you'll be labeled a racist even though what you say is probably true of many ethnic minorities at one time or another in their progression to acceptance and tolerance. Where I differ from you is that I doubt very much that this is taught in any schools.
Welcome to Lehigh County, where the only qualification for public office is that there's a D after your name. What a mess and Northampton County isn't too far behind.
Norco voters look almost intelligent next to the Lehigh crowd. Perfect example of voting party line instead of researching the candidates.
No, just plain honesty.
Cry me a river. These ReCrapLickans only care because it’s a black man and a Democrat. When McTacoTits pays Michael Flynn and Ashli Kr@zy Babbit and lines his own pockets, no one on their side bats an eye. And yet racist Bernie bros can’t wait to dump on a guy selling drugs to the Wilson Borough solicitor.
The only thing that Jon Irons said that is true was “Zach’s record speaks for itself.” It certainly does.
Interesting considering he is half Caucasian
To both 7:33am and BOH, are these sentiments to imply that only ethnic minorities break laws/think the law doesn’t apply to them?
Stan Margle lost his law license yesterday. He must be an “undercover brother”.
I never met Cole Borghi. He is not convicted but these new revelations will certainly challenge his ability to serve. Thw evidence is too strong.
The whole irony here are those Republican officials and party loyalists that are calling for the resignation of a person charge with a felony but not convicted, Meanwhile will put better judgement aside and cast a vote for a jury CONVICTED FELON.
Furthermore, there is irony when one suggests Cole Borghi is conflicted and abused his powers by speaking out against officials. Yet the convicted felon is on a revenge tour using his power and weaponizing the justice system to target those he.feels are against his policy or has political adversaries. Threatening to revoke FCC licenses over free speech or use of the justice system to target policial opponents is Putins playbook. Seems they have selective judgement.
Remember, the convicted felon is in office because of immunity clause.
Ha! Yep, that's Nosferato for you. Talk about diarrhea of the mouth. Guy thinks if he talks loud and long enough you'll believe the dung that comes out of his mouth.
Yet silly citizens believe yuk mouth
Same type of voter that just put Nadeem Qayyum in office in Northampton County.
Interesting update regarding you brother. Did he also put you in a headlock and rub his knuckle into you scalp while saying "neener-neener-neener?"
Stan marble isn’t saying he was targeted because of his race.
You can name the individual you call a convicted felon (Donald Trump). Now, go back and research that entire case. You might be surprised by the details.
You appear to be missing the whole point but ok.
Dude you appear unhinged and slightly uneducated. Try real words and sentences.
Qayyum to date has functioned as a normal commissioner does.
No silliness or international stuff.
Aren't people innocent until proven guilty? Why should he resign? You people are such morons. You all probably support Trump because being a pedophile isn't a big deal, right?
Your brother should do a few posts of the day on your blog
Speaking of his buddy, Amy Zanelli, what ever happened to her?
MAGAts don't give a shit about crimes. They support the biggest criminal in US history. This post and the comments are hilarious!!!
You mean details like these:
Donald Trump became the first U.S. president to be convicted of a felony on May 30, 2024, when a Manhattan jury found him guilty on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in the first degree. The charges stemmed from a scheme to influence the 2016 presidential election by covering up hush-money payments to adult film star Stormy Daniels.
The Case and Conviction
The Scheme: Prosecutors argued that Trump falsified business records to hide a $130,000 payment made by his former attorney, Michael Cohen, to Stormy Daniels to prevent her from publicizing an alleged sexual encounter with Trump before the 2016 election.
The Records: The 34 counts corresponded to checks, invoices, and vouchers generated in 2017 to reimburse Cohen, which were recorded as "legal expenses" rather than reimbursements for the hush money.
Felony Level: In New York, falsifying business records is typically a misdemeanor. However, it was elevated to a felony (Class E) because the jury found that the records were falsified with the intent to commit or conceal another crime—in this case, violating state and federal election laws.
The Verdict: After hearing from 22 witnesses and examining numerous documents, the jury of 12 New Yorkers unanimously found Trump guilty on all 34 counts.
Yet, all the Republicans cheered when Martha Sterwart was convicted for less.
This guy is eminently qualified to hold office in California, Illinois, New York, and New Jersey. Maybe he'll also get booked on The View with a celebrity billing and get a sobbing sympathy feature story on CNN. He's a rising star if he knows where to look.
Irons and Riddick should learn to shut their mouths. Today Irons even doubles down and continues to play the race card. Apparently Zach is entitled and privileged to do as he pleases because well you know. Now let's reverse the situation with a White Republican and you know who would be losing their minds kicking that person off council. I do understand innocent till proven guilty but again shut your mouth cause you look like a fool defending this crime.
Truth.
Scarey isn't it.
Yea you don't see too many whites playing the race card and don't say they don't go to jail either. This is what annoys people and negates the legit complaints of racism.
Yea you don't see too many whites playing the race card and don't say they don't go to jail either. This is what annoys people and negates the legit complaints of racism.
Well if pointing out facts is white supremacy so be it.
Well if pointing out facts is white supremacy so be it.
Pretty much the way of the world now. We are so doomed.
When do LV4All and ROAR realize how stupid they look/are and go the fuck away???
What an absolute joke they are - waltzing around like pied pipers leading their brainless minions right off a cliff with these candidates they blindly push down the community’s throat
Ohhhhhhh I’m Zach Cole-Borghi and they’re targeting me because I identify as black - please ignore the fact that I’m a complete disgrace and scourge on the community I was mystifyingly elected to represent
Yes, it starts at the top with our creepy Executive- Lehigh County is in for a long 4 years.
This is funny but it might not be too far off the mark.
Well it certainly can't be cause he's dealing drugs so it must be that racial injustice big mouth Jon Irons is carrying on about.
Read his comments in Armchair Lehigh Valley for a good laugh. Delusional and quite foolish.
You people make me laugh.
Hows the weather? Trump!
Zach Cole Borghi commissioner drug dealer. Trump!
How’s your wife? Trump!
It must suck going through life so hung up on one person. TDS is real and it’s a mental illness.
Agreed! He sounds like a very smart man.
go away Alvin Bragg!
call 911 on this nut!
She’s a fucking loser and will be run out of office
This post is sponsored by creepy mustachioed John Irons
Jon Irons wants to do away with LEO response to 911 calls in favor of social workers but we all know he’d poop his pants during a routine traffic stop in Macungie if he went on a ride along - fuck off, loser
How does West Bethlehem get so lucky to have THREE fantastic losers represent them at the same time:
- Junkie Dipshit Loser with a hyphenated name
- I like to grab unsuspecting crotch and tell my victims how I’m a powerful judge
- Let’s endanger unarmed glorified life coaches during 911 calls
Stop it, Zach. Snort a few rails and take your legal medicine and savor the glory of Trump as your daddy for three more years.
Borghi represents the west side of Bethlehem, Hanover Township, Catty, and a portion of Allentown. Probably safe to say a majority of his voters are white. Not sure what the factual basis is for this kind of conlcusion. But alas, this is Trump's America, though. Shit out of your mouth first, think later.
The African-American "progression to acceptance and tolerance" was destroyed by LBJ war on poverty social programs in the 1960s that worked to replace traditional African-American families with moms and dads with government dependency. It wasn't long after these well-intentioned programs that much traditional family structure was lost among many African- Americans and today's generational cycle of poverty started up with government dependency, out of wedlock births, drugs, crime, violence, hopelessness and despair.
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