A Republican candidate running for Missouri’s House is facing federal drug charges after he attempted to plant cocaine and Adderall on his primary opponent.
Thomas Ross, 37, appeared in court on Thursday on one charge of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance. Ross had allegedly asked his campaign manager to place the drugs in his opponent’s purse or vehicle.
“The American people deserve confidence in an electoral process that has served our nation for generations,” R. Matthew Price, U.S. attorney for the Western District of Missouri, said. “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.”
Ross provided his former campaign manager with a black nylon glove containing a plastic bag filled with a white powder and a pink-and-white capsule, according to the Department of Justice. The campaign manager later contacted the Joplin Police Department, which informed the FBI of the “public corruption” matter.
Tests later confirmed the substances in the glove were cocaine, amphetamine, and dextroamphetamine 20 mg extended release, also known as Adderall.
“The conduct alleged in these charges are substantial and serious,” Chris Ormerod, special agent in charge of the FBI’s Kansas City Field Office, said. “Our citizens deserve to know that the election process is done with transparency and fairness. As this case moves through the judicial process, it’s important that it proceeds fairly, impartially and in accordance with the rule of law.”
The accused ultimately won the Aug. 4 primary to represent the district covering Joplin against Louise Secker, whom Ross allegedly planned to frame for drug possession.
Missouri Republican Party chairman Peter Kinder said in a statement that the circumstances surrounding Ross’s arrest are “deeply troubling” and asked him to step out of the race.
“The people of the 161st District deserve a nominee who can devote his full attention to earning their trust and representing their interests in Jefferson City,” Kinder said. “Given the seriousness of the situation, I believe the right course of action is clear. I am calling on Mr. Ross to immediately withdraw his candidacy as the Republican nominee for House District 161.”
MITCH MCCONNELL SET TO RETURN TO SENATE AFTER LABOR DAY, JAMES COMER SAYS
Ross won the Republican nomination by a few dozen votes, but the district sits in a deep-red area of the Show-Me State.
The Washington Examiner reached out to Ross’s campaign for comment.