A Missouri state representative candidate has been charged by federal prosecutors for “conspiring to distribute a controlled substance to plant on his political opponent.”

“Thomas Christopher Ross, 37, of Joplin, Mo., was charged in a one-count complaint for conspiring to distribute a controlled substance,” the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Western District of Missouri stated.

“Ross is currently running for the state seat in House District 161 and won the Republican primary last month,” it continued.

More from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Western District of Missouri:

As alleged in the affidavit filed in support of the complaint, on Thursday, July 30, 2026, the Federal Bureau of Investigation was contacted by the Joplin Police Department (JPD) regarding a “public corruption” matter in Joplin, Mo. According to the initial information provided by JPD, the former campaign manager for Ross (C.S.), was asked by Ross to plant drugs on his opponent (L.S.). C.S. provided law enforcement with a black nylon glove that he claimed was given to him by Ross. A small, plastic bag was inside the glove. Inside of the bag was a small amount of white powder. A Nartec Inc. Cocaine Test Kit was used on the powder, which indicated a positive match for cocaine.

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Additionally, inside of the glove was a pink and white capsule. The capsule was identified as Amphetamine and Dextroamphetamine 20 mg extended release, also known as Adderall, a Schedule II controlled substance. C.S. told investigators that he and Ross exchanged text messages, in which Ross requested for C.S. to place the bag of drugs inside of the purse or vehicle of L.S. while Ross was out of state on vacation.

“The American people deserve confidence in an electoral process that has served our nation for generations,” said R. Matthew Price, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Missouri.

“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. The Western District of Missouri will continue to uphold fairness, transparency, and integrity in elections and will pursue violations of public trust when warranted,” Price continued.

Missouri Republican Party (MRP) Chairman Peter Kinder called the allegations “serious and deeply troubling.”

He called on Ross to “immediately withdraw his candidacy and step down as the Republican nominee” for the seat.

NBC News shared further:

In a series of texts Ross is alleged to have sent to the campaign manager while he was in Myrtle Beach, he offered the campaign manager luck “getting the substance of the matter sorted this week” and later said: “Any luck with the substance of the matter? I wont be gone much longer.”

“Taking it no luck with the substance of it all?” he is alleged to have texted a few days later.

In an earlier text to the campaign manager that the affidavit identified as a reference to the drug-planting plot, Ross said Secker planned to meet with Republican women at a local restaurant and wanted “it” to happen beforehand.

“I was hoping we could make it happen before THIS Thursday,” he is accused of saying. “Which would be extreme egg on the face.”

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Later, during a conversation between the campaign manager and Ross that was secretly recorded by the FBI, Ross suggested that they call in an anonymous tip that Secker had drugs in her car, according to the affidavit.

“If you can pull it off,” Ross allegedly said, “pull it off.”

 

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