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Missouri Republican Candidate Thomas Christopher Ross Faces Federal Charges for Allegedly Trying to Frame Primary Opponent

Thomas Christopher Ross, a Republican candidate for a Missouri State House seat, was arrested on Wednesday following a federal charge of conspiring to distribute a controlled substance. Prosecutors allege that Ross attempted to plant cocaine and an Adderall pill in the car or purse of his primary opponent, Louise Secker, during the weeks leading up to the August primary election. Ross defeated Secker by a narrow margin of 32 to 33 votes. The alleged plot was revealed after Ross's former campaign manager contacted law enforcement in July, providing a bag of narcotics and a covert recording of a meeting where Ross allegedly gave the instruction to plant the drugs. Missouri Republican Party Chairman Peter Kinder has called on Ross to withdraw from the race, describing the arrest as serious and deeply troubling. U.S. Attorney R. Matthew Price stated that candidates are expected to conduct their campaigns with integrity and honesty. Ross is currently held without bond in the Joplin City Jail while awaiting a preliminary hearing scheduled for September 9.

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