Missouri legislative candidate accused of trying to plant cocaine on primary opponent

A Missouri House primary opponent allegedly came within reach of a drug-planting scheme after prosecutors say candidate Thomas Ross handed his former campaign manager cocaine and Adderall and discussed hiding them in her purse or vehicle.

Ross, a Republican, allegedly worked with the former manager in June to frame Louise Secker for cocaine possession. Court documents identify the former manager only by the initials “CS.” On June 21, Ross asked for an update, writing, “Taking it no luck with the substance of it all?” Authorities say “substance” referred to the narcotics.

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Taking it no luck with the substance of it all?

The former manager replied that he had been carrying the drugs for several days while looking for an opportunity. He said he had gone to a car show to see whether he could find Secker’s vehicle, but had not been able to approach it because the car was locked.

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I am actually creeping down to the car show right now and seeing if I can see your car. I have had it on me for a couple days in order to be able to take full advantage of any opportunity that arises.

Joplin police notified the FBI on July 30 about a public corruption matter. The following day, the FBI gave the former manager a covert recording device. During a recorded conversation, the former manager offered to make an anonymous report claiming that Secker’s car contained drugs. Ross allegedly replied, “If you can pull it off … pull it off.”

Ross faces a charge of conspiring to distribute a controlled substance. It remains unclear whether the former campaign manager will also be charged. Secker did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

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If you can pull it off … pull it off.

Ross defeated Secker by 33 votes in the August Republican primary for House District 161, which includes Joplin. The district’s incumbent, Republican Lane Roberts, is not seeking reelection. Missouri Republican Party Chair Peter Kinder said Ross was entitled to due process but called the circumstances of his arrest “serious and deeply troubling” and urged him to withdraw.

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While Mr. Ross is entitled to due process and the facts surrounding this matter must be allowed to come to light, the circumstances of his arrest are serious and deeply troubling.