Missouri House candidate faces federal charge for alleged drug-planting scheme
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Republican candidate Thomas Ross has been charged with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances after an alleged plot to place cocaine and prescription medication in his opponent's belongings was uncovered.
A Missouri Republican candidate for the state House appeared in U.S. District Court in Springfield on Thursday, charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance. Federal prosecutors say Thomas Christopher Ross, 37, worked with his former campaign manager to place cocaine and an Adderall pill in the purse of his primary opponent, Louise Secker, before the August primary.
According to an unsealed FBI affidavit, the campaign manager later cooperated with investigators, wearing a wire during a meeting at Ross's home and providing evidence of the scheme. Court documents indicate the plan was discussed in text messages as early as May 31, and Ross allegedly confirmed his intent to proceed.
Peter Kinder, chairman of the Missouri Republican Party, said the arrest was “serious” and urged Ross to withdraw from the race, noting that state law allows him to remove his name from the ballot by Sept. 8. U.S. Attorney Matthew Price emphasized that candidates must conduct campaigns with integrity and respect for opponents.
The Justice Department was notified on July 30 after the campaign manager reported the conspiracy to the Joplin Police Department. The alleged plot involved Ross providing the drugs and directing the manager to plant them while Ross was out of town.