Missouri Candidate Charged in Alleged Plan to Plant Drugs on Rival

A Missouri Republican candidate has been charged after authorities accused him of trying to plant cocaine and Adderall on his primary-election opponent. Thomas Ross, who defeated Louise Secker in the Republican primary for the state’s 161st House District, allegedly discussed placing the drugs in Secker’s purse or vehicle, according to court documents reported by The Guardian and Boing Boing. The two outlets differ slightly on the election margin, describing Ross’s victory as either 32 or 33 votes. The alleged plan involved Ross’s former campaign manager, identified in court documents by the initials “CS.” Prosecutors say Ross provided the man with cocaine and Adderall in June. In one text exchange, Ross allegedly asked for an update, while the former manager indicated that he had been carrying the substances and looking for an opportunity to put them in Secker’s car. The former campaign manager had reportedly contacted authorities and was cooperating with the FBI. The Joplin Police Department alerted the federal agency to the matter on July 30, according to The Guardian. The FBI then provided the former manager with a covert recording device. During a later conversation at Ross’s home, the former manager allegedly offered to make an anonymous report claiming that drugs were inside Secker’s vehicle. According to the account of the recorded discussion, Ross responded that the man should proceed if he could carry it out. Authorities also allege that Ross supplied drugs during that meeting. Ross was arrested and charged with conspiring to distribute a controlled substance. The sources do not state whether the former campaign manager faces charges. The allegations emerged after Ross’s narrow primary victory. The district includes Joplin, and incumbent Republican state Representative Lane Roberts is not seeking re-election. Missouri Republican Party chair Peter Kinder called on Ross to withdraw, saying the allegations were serious while acknowledging that Ross is entitled to due process. Jasper County Republicans likewise urged concern while saying the facts must be allowed to come to light. Secker, through her lawyers, said it would be improper for her to comment at this time, according to Boing Boing. Ross had not withdrawn from the race in the reporting supplied.