A candidate for the Missouri state House from the Republican party is currently facing federal drug charges. Newly unsealed court documents have revealed an alleged plan to frame his political opponent by planting cocaine and prescription pills in her possession.
Thomas Christopher Ross, aged 37, appeared in U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri located in Springfield on Thursday. He faces one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance. According to the Justice Department (DOJ), Ross allegedly collaborated with his former campaign manager to secretly place illicit drugs among the belongings of his political rival, Louise Secker, prior to the state’s August primary election.
An unsealed FBI affidavit details that the campaign manager betrayed Ross by wearing a wire during a federal sting operation.
Response from Missouri Republican Party
Peter Kinder, the chairman of the Missouri Republican Party, commented on the arrest of Ross. He described the circumstances as deeply serious and troubling. Kinder stated, “Being the Republican nominee for public office carries with it a responsibility to the voters, the community and the principles our party represents … given the seriousness of the situation, I believe the right course of action is clear.”
He urged Ross to withdraw from the race, having narrowly secured the Republican nomination for Missouri’s state House of Representatives District 161 over Secker. Ross was set to face Democrat Aaaron Metzger in the November general election. Under Missouri election law, Ross has until September 8 to voluntarily remove his name from the election ballot.
Justice Department’s Comments
Matthew Price, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, clarified in a DOJ press release that candidates must conduct their campaigns with integrity, honesty, and respect for their opponents. He emphasized that voters deserve confidence in an electoral process free from misinformation or undue influence.
Details of the Alleged Plot
The DOJ received information from the Joplin Police Department (JPD) on July 30 concerning claims of public corruption. Ross’s campaign manager disclosed the plan to plant cocaine and an Adderall pill in Secker’s belongings. The campaign staffer said Ross directed him to carry out the task while Ross was out of town.
A probable cause affidavit noted the events of July 31, when the campaign staffer wore a wire during a meeting at Ross’s residence. Evidence from KOLR-TV indicated the court documents showed the staffer mentioning “the bag and addies” to Ross and confirming if Ross still intended to proceed. Ross allegedly affirmed, according to the records, and the pair exchanged numerous text messages plotting the conspiracy. Local outlet KCUR-FM reported on conversations dating back to May 31 about the scheme.
Fox News Digital sought a comment from Ross but received no response before the publication deadline.
Reported by Alec Schemmel, a Politics Reporter for Fox News Digital.