Springfield, MO. — A Republican nominee for the Missouri House has been charged with conspiring to distribute a controlled substance after federal investigators alleged he directed his campaign manager to plant cocaine on a political opponent.
Thomas Christopher Ross, 37, of Joplin, faces one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance, according to a criminal complaint announced Thursday by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Missouri.
Ross won the Aug. 4 Republican primary for Missouri House District 161, defeating Louise Curchin Secker. He received 1,586 votes to Secker’s 1,555, according to unofficial results reported after the election. Ross is scheduled to face Democrat Aaron Joseph Metzger in the Nov. 3 general election. The Missouri secretary of state’s candidate list confirms the three candidates filed for the district.
According to an FBI affidavit supporting the complaint, the Joplin Police Department contacted federal investigators July 30 about a possible public corruption matter. Ross’ former campaign manager told investigators that Ross had asked him to place drugs in Secker’s purse or vehicle while Ross was out of state.
The campaign manager, identified in court documents by the initials C.S., provided authorities with a black nylon glove that he said came from Ross. Inside the glove, investigators found a plastic bag containing white powder and a pink-and-white capsule.
A field test indicated the powder was cocaine, prosecutors said. The capsule was identified as a 20-milligram extended-release amphetamine and dextroamphetamine pill, commonly sold under the brand name Adderall. Both substances are controlled under federal law.
Investigators also reviewed text messages in which Ross allegedly instructed the campaign manager to place the substances in Secker’s purse or vehicle. The Associated Press reported that the alleged plan developed during the weeks preceding the Republican primary.
“The American people deserve confidence in an electoral process that has served our nation for generations,” U.S. Attorney R. Matthew Price said. He added that candidates are expected to conduct campaigns with integrity and allow voters to make decisions without misinformation or improper influence.
FBI Kansas City Special Agent in Charge Chris Ormerod described the allegations as serious while emphasizing that the case must proceed fairly and impartially.
The complaint contains accusations and is not evidence of guilt. Prosecutors must prove the charge beyond a reasonable doubt for Ross to be convicted. The case is being investigated by the FBI and Joplin Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica R. Eatmon.
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