City says former right-to-know officer arrested in multistate probe; DA has sealed records, employee terminated

A Lehigh County commissioner who previously served as Bethlehem's right-to-know officer was arrested in a multistate grand-jury investigation, and the county district attorney’s office has sealed charging documents, city officials said at a council meeting where members sought information but were told details are limited to protect the investigation.

Solicitor John F. Burke Jr., who addressed the council, said the probe "spanned several states and has resulted in a number of arrests" and that grand-jury secrecy has limited public disclosure. Burke said he was authorized to tell the council one specific item: "there is no ongoing investigation of the city of Bethlehem or its officers, officials, employees, city council members. There's no ongoing investigation of that, and I have been authorized to say that much."

City employment status: Burke and other officials said the city’s human-resources director released a statement that the employee was no longer employed by the City of Bethlehem as of the previous Thursday. Burke said the city is cooperating with the district attorney’s office but that sealed documents prevent the city from sharing more at this time.

Public reaction and naming: During the meeting’s public-comment period a resident, Valerie Noonan, identified the person by name and urged solidarity: "Zach was always helpful to me in responding to right to know requests," she said, adding that she was disappointed to hear the individual had been let go. That naming and other public discussion prompted council members to ask for clarity about internal communications and notification procedures.

Council questions and limits on disclosure: Council members pressed administration and police officials about when the city learned of the arrest and why elected council members were not alerted before the matter appeared in news reports. Mayor and staff said they had followed the district attorney’s guidance about secrecy and that police and the city are cooperating with the investigation. Chief Cott confirmed the Bethlehem Police Department has fully cooperated and will continue to do so.

Process notes: The solicitor and other speakers reiterated that personnel and potential litigation issues limit what the mayor and administration can and should say publicly. Burke advised the council that court filings are sealed "pursuant to grand jury secrecy," which prevents release of probable-cause affidavits and charging documents at this time.

Ending: Council members sought assurances about notification processes and suggested reviewing internal communication practices for future incidents; officials said they will follow legal guidance while cooperating with the county district attorney and the police department.