JOPLIN, Mo. — Federal charges are filed against Joplin political candidate Thomas Ross for conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance.

Ross, won the primary election to replace current 161 House Dist. State Representative Lane Roberts ®. He beat Louise Secker by 32 votes.

According to court documents, Ross asked his campaign manager to plant “a mixture or substance containing cocaine and Adderall” on his political opponent Louise Secker.

Authorities say that as “early as May 31, 2026, and continuing to, on or about, August 4, 2026,” Ross “conspired and agreed with others, known and unknown, to distribute a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine, a Schedule II controlled substance, and a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of amphetamine (“Adderall”), a Schedule II controlled substance.” Federal case 6:26-mj-02084 USA v. Ross

Authorities say the former campaign manager provided Joplin Police with what they say was “a black nylon glove that he stated had been provided to him by Ross.” Police say there was a plastic bag inside of the glove that contained a white powder that tested positive for cocaine.

Republicans are now resorting to arrests of their opponents. Of course its fucking Missouri, a real shithole.