A Republican candidate for the Missouri state House is facing a federal drug charge after newly unsealed court documents allege he conspired to plant cocaine and prescription pills on his political rival. Thomas Christopher Ross, 37, appeared Thursday in U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri in Springfield on one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance.
According to the Justice Department, Ross allegedly worked with his former campaign manager to stash narcotics among the personal property of Louise Secker, his Republican opponent in the state's August primary. The plot unraveled when the campaign manager cooperated with investigators and wore a wire during a sting operation, according to an unsealed FBI affidavit.
The Justice Department said it was contacted July 30 by the Joplin Police Department about possible public corruption after the campaign manager reported the scheme. The staffer said Ross gave him a baggie of cocaine and an Adderall pill, both Schedule II narcotics, and asked him to plant them inside Secker's purse or car while Ross was out of town.
The following day, the campaign manager wore a wire during a meeting at Ross's home. Court records show the staffer told Ross he still had «the bag and addies» and asked whether Ross still wanted the drugs planted on his opponent. Ross reportedly answered in the affirmative. The two also exchanged numerous text messages about the plot, with Ross suggesting it «would be extreme egg on the face» for Secker. Screenshots indicate the discussions began as early as May 31.
Ross narrowly won the Republican nomination for House District 161 earlier this month, edging out Secker by a handful of votes. He is set to face Democrat Aaaron Metzger in the November general election. Under Missouri election law, Ross has until Sept. 8 to voluntarily withdraw his name from the ballot.
Missouri Republican Party Chairman Peter Kinder called on Ross to drop out of the race. «The circumstances of his arrest are serious and deeply troubling,» Kinder said. «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.»
Matthew Price, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, emphasized the importance of election integrity. «The American people deserve confidence in an electoral process that has served our nation for generations,» Price said in a statement. «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.»
Fox News Digital reached out to Ross for comment but did not receive a response by publication time.