Missouri Republican candidate Thomas Ross charged in drug-planting plot

Thomas Ross, a Republican candidate for the Missouri House of Representatives, has been charged with conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance. Federal prosecutors allege that Ross plotted to plant cocaine and Adderall on his primary opponent, Louise Secker, to discredit her.

The alleged scheme involved Ross instructing his campaign manager to place the drugs in Secker’s vehicle or purse while Ross was away on vacation. The plot was uncovered after the campaign manager contacted law enforcement and provided evidence, including a black nylon glove containing the substances and text messages discussing the plan. The FBI reportedly used a covert recorder to document interactions following the initial report to the Joplin Police Department.

Ross won the Republican primary for District 161 by a narrow margin of only a few dozen votes. Following the charges, Missouri Republican Party Chairman Peter Kinder has publicly called for Ross to withdraw from the race, describing the situation as ‘serious and deeply troubling.’ Ross made his first federal court appearance on Thursday; he faces a potential sentence of up to 20 years in prison if convicted.