Missouri House candidate arrested on drug-framing allegations
Republican primary candidate Thomas Ross was arrested and charged with conspiring to distribute controlled substances after prosecutors say he plotted to plant cocaine in opponent Louise Secker's belongings.
Missouri state police arrested Republican candidate Thomas Ross on Wednesday, charging him with conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance. Prosecutors allege Ross gave his former campaign manager a bag of cocaine and Adderall in June and discussed a plan to hide the drugs in the purse or vehicle of his primary opponent, Louise Secker.
Court documents show Ross texted the former manager on June 21 asking for an update, using the phrase “Taking it no luck with the substance of it all?” which authorities interpret as a reference to the narcotics. The former manager replied that he had been monitoring Secker’s car for an opportunity to place the drugs.
Joplin police alerted the FBI to a possible public-corruption scheme on July 30. The FBI provided the former manager with a covert recording device, which captured a conversation in which Ross encouraged the manager to proceed with the plan, saying, “If you can pull it off … pull it off.”
Ross was charged on Wednesday; it remains unclear whether the former campaign manager will also face charges. Secker has not responded to requests for comment.
Ross won the Republican primary for House District 161 in August by 33 votes, succeeding incumbent Lane Roberts, who is not seeking re-election. Missouri Republican Party chair Peter Kinder called on Ross to withdraw, stating:
"While Mr Ross is entitled to due process and the facts surrounding this matter must be allowed to come to light, the circumstances of his arrest are serious and deeply troubling. The people of the 161st district deserve a nominee who can devote his full attention to earning their trust and representing their interests in Jefferson City."