Missouri GOP House Candidate Federally Charged in Plot to Plant Drugs Opponent
POLICY WIRE — Joplin, USA — A Republican seeking a seat in the Missouri state legislature has been hit with federal charges following allegations that he plotted to frame a political rival by...
POLICY WIRE — Joplin, USA — A Republican seeking a seat in the Missouri state legislature has been hit with federal charges following allegations that he plotted to frame a political rival by planting illegal narcotics.
The Justice Department announced Thursday that 37-year-old Thomas Ross is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance.
Prosecutors allege Ross directed his former campaign manager to place cocaine and amphetamines on Louise Secker, the candidate Ross beat by a narrow 33-vote margin in last month’s Republican primary for House District 161.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Missouri reports that the unnamed former campaign manager alerted the Joplin Police Department to a matter of public corruption.
During that contact, the manager handed over a black nylon glove provided by Ross, which contained a capsule of Adderall and a small quantity of white powder later confirmed by the FBI to be cocaine.
Federal prosecutors claim the manager provided text messages from Ross instructing him to hide the drugs in Secker’s vehicle or purse while Ross was vacationing outside the state.
According to a probable cause statement cited by KOLR-TV, investigators suspect the Adderall used in the scheme came from Ross’s own prescription.
Court documents further reveal that the FBI equipped the campaign manager with a recording device to capture conversations with the candidate.
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During a July meeting, the manager reportedly suggested submitting an anonymous tip claiming Secker had drugs in her car or purse, to which Ross allegedly responded, “If you can pull it off … pull it off.”
Missouri Republican Party Chairman Peter Kinder described the allegations as “serious and deeply troubling,” and has urged Ross to withdraw from the race.
U.S. Attorney R. Matthew Price stated that his office will “continue to uphold fairness, transparency, and integrity in elections and will pursue violations of public trust when warranted.”
Price added, Candidates are expected to conduct their campaigns with integrity, honesty, and respect for their opponents, allowing voters to make informed decisions without fear of misinformation or undue influence.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
