A Republican candidate in Missouri, Thomas Ross, 37, has been charged with federal offenses for allegedly attempting to plant cocaine and a prescription amphetamine on his primary opponent. Ross narrowly defeated Louise Secker in the GOP contest for State House District 101 by just 33 votes in an election held last month.
According to a federal affidavit, Ross reportedly asked his campaign manager to place a small amount of cocaine and a prescription amphetamine pill into Secker's purse or vehicle in the days leading up to the August 4 primary. The campaign manager has informed law enforcement officers that Ross provided him with a black nylon glove containing a plastic bag of white powder and a pink and white capsule. Law enforcement tests later confirmed the substances to be cocaine and Adderall.
The FBI statement indicates that Ross sent multiple text messages to his campaign staffer concerning the alleged plan. In one message, Ross expressed hope that the scheme could be executed before Secker attended a Republican women's meeting in June, which he described as potentially causing "extreme egg on the face."
U.S. Attorney R. Matthew Price stated that voters are entitled to confidence in the electoral process. "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," Price said. FBI Kansas City Special Agent in Charge Chris Ormerod added, "Our citizens deserve to know that the election process is done with transparency and fairness." Ormerod also emphasized the importance of the case proceeding "fairly, impartially and in accordance with the rule of law."
Missouri Republican Party Chairman Peter Kinder has called for Ross to withdraw from the race, characterizing the accusations as "serious and deeply troubling." Kinder stated, "Given the seriousness of this situation, I believe the right course of action is clear. I am calling on Mr. Ross to immediately withdraw his candidacy and step down as the Republican nominee for House District 161."
The case is being prosecuted by U.S. attorneys and investigated by the FBI and the Joplin Police Department. Ross has not yet entered a plea, and his legal representation has not immediately responded to requests for comment. The Daily Mail has also reached out to Ross's campaign and Secker for statements.