A Missouri House race has been rocked by the Wednesday arrest of Republican candidate Thomas Ross, whom prosecutors accuse of attempting to frame his primary opponent Louise Secker for cocaine possession. In June, Ross allegedly gave his former campaign manager, identified by the initials “CS” in court documents, a bag of cocaine and Adderall. The two allegedly devised a plan for the former manager to stash the drugs in Secker’s purse or vehicle.
On 21 June, prosecutors said, Ross asked for an update on the plot. I have had it on me for a couple days in order to be able to take full advantage of any opportunity that arises,” the former manager replied, according to court documents. It’s unclear how the police were alerted to the alleged scheme.
The next day, the federal agency gave the former manager a covert recording device, which he used to tape a conversation with Ross. The former manager offered to call in an anonymous tip about Secker’s car containing drugs and asked if Ross wanted it done. Ross has been charged with conspiring to distribute a controlled substance.
It’s unclear if the former manager will also face criminal charges. Secker did not immediately respond to a phone call. Ross defeated Secker in August by a razor-thin margin of just 33 votes in the Republican primary for house district 161.
The district includes Joplin, a city about 70 miles (112km) west of Springfield. The incumbent state representative, Republican Lane Roberts, is not running for re-election. Missouri Republican party chair Peter Kinder called on Ross to withdraw from the race.
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