Thomas Ross Charged with Conspiring to Plant Drugs on Republican Primary Opponent
Thomas Ross was charged with conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance after federal prosecutors alleged he plotted to plant cocaine and Adderall on his primary opponent, Louise Secker. Ross, who won the Republican nomination for Missouri’s 161th House District by a narrow margin, reportedly asked his former campaign manager to place the drugs in Secker’s purse or vehicle while Ross was on vacation in South Carolina. Joplin police contacted the FBI regarding the matter on July 30, providing a black nylon glove containing a plastic bag of white powder and a pink and white capsule. Tests confirmed the substances were cocaine and Adderall. Text messages between Ross and his campaign manager revealed coded language, such as "the substance of the matter," to describe the plot. U.S. Attorney R. Matthew Price stated that candidates should conduct campaigns with integrity and respect for their opponents. Missouri Republican Party Chairman Peter Kinder called on Ross to withdraw his candidacy, describing the arrest as serious and deeply troubling.
Sources
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Missouri House candidate charged in plot to plant drugs on Republican primary opponent
Missouri Independent
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Missouri candidate charged with trying to plant cocaine on his political rival
apnews.com
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Missouri GOP primary winner charged in drug-planting scheme
KMBC
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Southwest Missouri House candidate charged with conspiring to plant cocaine on opponent
KY3