Missouri GOP House Candidate Charged with Conspiracy to Plant Drugs on Opponent
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Federal prosecutors allege Republican candidate Thomas Ross directed his former campaign manager to plant cocaine and Adderall on rival Louise Secker, leading to a charge of conspiring to distribute a controlled substance.
A federal indictment was filed Thursday against Thomas Ross, 37, a Republican candidate for the Missouri House of Representatives, accusing him of conspiring to distribute a controlled substance. Prosecutors say Ross instructed his former campaign manager to place cocaine and an Adderall capsule in the purse or car of his primary opponent, Louise Secker, whom he narrowly defeated by 33 votes in District 161.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Missouri, the former campaign manager delivered a black nylon glove to the Joplin Police Department, claiming it had been given to him by Ross. Testing confirmed the glove contained a small amount of cocaine and one Adderall capsule. Text messages presented to investigators allegedly show Ross directing the manager to plant the drugs while Ross was on vacation.
Investigators also obtained a recording device from FBI agents, which captured a July meeting where the manager suggested filing an anonymous tip about Secker possessing drugs. Ross is reported to have responded, "If you can pull it off ... pull it off."
"The accusations are serious and deeply troubling," said Peter Kinder, chairman of the Missouri Republican Party, urging Ross to withdraw from the race.
U.S. Attorney R. Matthew Price said his office will "continue to uphold fairness, transparency, and integrity in elections" and will pursue violations of public trust when warranted. He added that candidates are expected to conduct campaigns with integrity and honesty.
Ross faces a single count of conspiring to distribute a controlled substance, a charge that could carry significant penalties if convicted.