Feds accuse Joplin House nominee of plot to plant cocaine on primary opponent
What do you think?
The Republican nominee for the Joplin state House seat is accused of directing his former campaign manager to plant cocaine and prescription amphetamine on a primary opponent, according to federal prosecutors.
Ross, the Republican nominee for Missouri House District 161, was arrested Wednesday on a federal warrant and initially held without bond in the Joplin City Jail. He is presumed innocent unless convicted.
A probable cause affidavit filed in U.S. District Court says Ross’ former campaign manager told investigators that Ross asked him to plant drugs on Louise Secker before the Aug. 4 Republican primary.
Ross’ former campaign manager, identified in court records only as C.S., told investigators Ross gave him cocaine and a capsule containing amphetamine and dextroamphetamine, commonly known as Adderall. Ross allegedly instructed him to place the drugs in the purse or vehicle of primary opponent Louise Curchin Secker while Ross was out of state on vacation.
The former campaign manager gave investigators a black nylon glove containing a small plastic bag of white powder and a pink-and-white capsule, according to the affidavit. A field test indicated the powder contained cocaine. Investigators identified the capsule as 20 milligrams of extended-release amphetamine and dextroamphetamine.
Federal investigators said Ross and the campaign manager used the word “substance” as a code when discussing the alleged plan through text messages.
The FBI equipped the former campaign manager with a concealed recording device before a July 31 meeting at Ross’ home, according to the affidavit. When the campaign manager discussed planting the drugs in Secker’s vehicle and making an anonymous report to police, Ross allegedly told him, “If you can pull it off, pull it off.”
Court records do not indicate that the drugs were ever planted.
Ross defeated Secker by 31 votes in the Aug. 4 Republican primary, receiving 1,586 votes to Secker’s 1,555.
U.S. Attorney R. Matthew Price said voters deserve confidence in an electoral process conducted with integrity, honesty and respect for opposing candidates. He said the Western District of Missouri would pursue violations of the public trust when warranted.
Chris Ormerod, special agent in charge of the FBI’s Kansas City Field Office, called the alleged conduct “substantial and serious” and said the case must proceed fairly and impartially.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica R. Eatmon. The FBI and Joplin Police Department are conducting the investigation.
Missouri Republican Party Chairman Peter Kinder has called on Ross to immediately withdraw from the race, saying the circumstances surrounding the arrest are serious and troubling.
The Jasper County Republican Central Committee joined Kinder’s call, saying the party believes in due process but also in accountability and putting voters first.
Ross is scheduled to face Democrat Aaron Metzger in the Nov. 3 general election for the seat currently held by Republican Lane Roberts.
Ross made his initial federal court appearance Thursday in Springfield and was assigned a federal public defender.
A detention hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 9, when a judge is expected to decide whether Ross will remain in federal custody while the case proceeds.
No plea has been publicly reported, and prosecutors have not announced an indictment or additional charges.
