Missouri GOP House nominee charged in plot to plant cocaine on rival
Thomas Ross, who won his primary by nearly 30 votes, is facing a federal charge for allegedly asking his campaign manager to plant cocaine on his opponent. The state GOP chairman wants him off the ballot.
Missouri Republican state House candidate Thomas Ross has been arrested and charged for allegedly asking his former campaign manager to plant cocaine on his political opponent.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office Western District of Missouri charged Ross with conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance. An FBI affidavit says that Ross began planning the scheme as early as May. One of Ross’ former campaign managers gave authorities text messages Ross sent him on May 31 alluding to the scheme.
“We need to resolve that situation sooner than later…June 9th she will be at the republican women meeting at granny shaffers,” the message says. “I was hoping that we could make it happen before THIS Thursday…which would be extreme egg on the face given Thursday nights event.”
The unidentified campaign manager also provided authorities with a black nylon glove containing a small bag of powder. The powder contained a mixture of cocaine and the stimulant Adderall. Authorities say that the campaign manager worked with the FBI and agreed to wear a wire for a meeting at Ross’s home on July 31. During the meeting, the campaign manager asked Ross whether he still wanted him to plant the baggie on his opponent, Louise Secker. Ross allegedly told the campaign manager, “if you can pull it off … pull it off.”
On Friday, Thomas appeared in court after being transferred into federal custody. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica R. Eatmon is prosecuting the case and asking that Ross be held in custody until his trial.
Ross defeated Secker in the Aug. 4 primary election by 31 votes. He is seeking the House District 161 seat, which is currently held by Rep. Lane Roberts (R-Joplin), who is not running for reelection because of term limits. Although Ross is still the Republican nominee set to face Democrat Aaron Joseph Metzger in November, state Party Chairman Peter Kinder called on Ross to drop out of the race.
Ross’s campaign did not respond to a request to comment on the charges or indicate whether he would remain in the race. According to his campaign website, Ross, 37, worked as an engineer. It says he decided to run for office because of a desire to make a safer world for his two children.
“Having witnessed the challenges facing the community, including rising crime, homelessness, and substance abuse, Thomas believes it is time for steady, responsible leadership focused on restoring safety, opportunity, and quality of life,” the website says.
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