Missouri House Candidate Accused Of Plotting To Plant Cocaine On Primary Rival

A Republican candidate for the Missouri state House is facing a federal charge after authorities accused him of orchestrating a plot to secretly place drugs on a political rival, CBS affiliate KOLR-TV reported.

Thomas Ross, 37, who sought Missouri's House District 161 seat representing the Joplin area, was charged Wednesday in connection with the alleged scheme targeting primary opponent Louise Secker.

Investigators have accused Ross of directing his former campaign manager to put cocaine and a prescription amphetamine pill among Secker's belongings, according to a probable cause statement. Authorities also believe the Adderall allegedly intended for the plot came from Ross' own prescription, KOLR-TV reported.

Ross edged out Secker in the Aug. 4 Republican primary by 33 votes.

Missouri Republican Party Chairman Peter Kinder has since called for Ross to step aside, describing the matter as "serious and deeply troubling." The Jasper County Republican Central Committee joined Kinder in calling on Ross to withdraw.

Under Missouri law, Ross has until Sept. 8 to remove his name from the November ballot.

Federal authorities have filed a one-count criminal complaint accusing Ross of conspiring to distribute a controlled substance.

Ross has been held without bond in the Joplin City Jail since his arrest Wednesday, with a detention hearing set for Wednesday.

U.S. Attorney R. Matthew Price said in a statement that his office will "continue to uphold fairness, transparency, and integrity in elections and will pursue violations of public trust when warranted."

"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," Price said.

Ross did not respond to requests for comment, and the federal public defender's office assigned to his case did not say how he intends to plead. Secker also did not respond. The charge is an accusation, and Ross is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.