A Republican candidate for the Missouri state House is facing federal drug charges following allegations that he conspired with his former campaign manager to plant cocaine and prescription pills in his political rival's purse.
Thomas Christopher Ross, 37, appeared in U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri on Thursday to face a count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance. According to the Justice Department, Ross allegedly worked with his ex-campaign manager to stash narcotics in the personal belongings of his Republican opponent, Louise Secker, before the state's August primary election.
The campaign manager, however, reportedly alerted authorities and cooperated with the FBI, ultimately wearing a wire to record conversations with Ross as part of a sting operation.
"The circumstances of his arrest are serious and deeply troubling," said Peter Kinder, chairman of the Missouri Republican Party. "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."
Kinder called for Ross to withdraw from the race. Ross narrowly won the Republican nomination for Missouri's House of Representatives District 161 by a small margin against Secker. He is currently slated to face Democrat Aaaron Metzger in the November general election. Under Missouri law, candidates have until September 8 to voluntarily withdraw their names from the ballot.
"The American people deserve confidence in an electoral process that has served our nation for generations," stated Matthew Price, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Missouri. "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."
The Justice Department was reportedly contacted on July 30 by the Joplin Police Department regarding claims of public corruption. Ross's campaign manager informed the police about the alleged conspiracy to plant cocaine and an Adderall pill, both classified as Schedule II narcotics, in Secker's purse or car. The Justice Department indicated that Ross suggested the drugs be planted while he was out of town.
According to a probable cause affidavit, the campaign staffer, wearing a wire, met with Ross at his home on July 31. Court documents indicate the staffer informed Ross that he still possessed "the bag and addies" and asked if Ross still intended for the drugs to be planted on his opponent. Ross reportedly confirmed his intent, and the pair exchanged text messages discussing the plot, which Ross allegedly described as intended to cause "extreme egg on the face" for Secker.
Screenshots of text messages suggest that discussions about the alleged plot began as early as May 31, according to local outlet KCUR-FM.
Fox News Digital reached out to Ross for comment but had not received a response by the time of publication.