Missouri GOP candidate charged in drug-planting plot

Thomas Ross, a Republican candidate for Missouri's 161st House District, has been charged with federal drug conspiracy for allegedly plotting to plant cocaine and Adderall on his primary opponent, Louise Secker. The charges were filed on September 3, 2026, following an FBI investigation into the scheme, which authorities say was never carried out. According to a federal criminal complaint and an FBI affidavit, Ross, 37, conspired with his former campaign manager between May 31 and August 4 to frame Secker. The plan involved placing a black nylon glove containing a bag of cocaine and a capsule of Adderall into Secker's purse or vehicle. The campaign manager would then alert law enforcement through an anonymous tip. The affidavit states the plot was to be executed while Ross was on vacation in South Carolina in June. The investigation began when the former campaign manager reported the alleged scheme to the Joplin Police Department on July 30, 2026. He provided police with the glove containing the narcotics. The next day, the FBI provided the campaign manager with a covert recording device.