GOP candidate for Missouri House charged with conspiring to plant cocaine on opponent

September 3, 2026 / 4:02 PM EDT / CBS News

GOP candidate for Missouri House charged with conspiring to plant cocaine on opponent

TL;DR

  • Thomas Ross, a Republican candidate for Missouri state representative, is charged with one count of conspiring to distribute a controlled substance.
  • The charge involves an alleged scheme to plant cocaine and amphetamines on his opponent, Louise Secker.
  • Prosecutors presented text messages allegedly from Ross instructing his former campaign manager to plant the drugs.
  • A recording captures Ross seemingly approving the plan, saying, "If you can pull it off ... pull it off."
  • The Missouri Republican Party chairman has called on Ross to drop out of the race.