Federal indictment expands case against former Joplin House candidate Thomas Ross

A federal grand jury has indicted 37-year-old Thomas Christopher Ross, of Joplin, on three felony drug charges, expanding the federal case against the former Republican nominee for Missouri House District 161.

Ross is now charged with conspiracy to distribute cocaine and amphetamine, distribution of cocaine and amphetamine, and unlawful use of a communication facility.

The indictment replaces the single-count criminal complaint that led to Ross’ September 2 arrest.

Federal prosecutors initially accused Ross of conspiring to distribute controlled substances as part of an alleged effort to plant cocaine and Adderall on his Republican primary opponent, Louise Secker.

The investigation began after Joplin police contacted the FBI on July 30 about what authorities described as a possible public corruption matter.

According to an FBI affidavit, Ross’ former campaign manager told investigators Ross wanted him to plant drugs in Secker’s purse or vehicle while Ross was out of state.

The former campaign manager turned over a black nylon glove he said Ross had provided. Inside, investigators found a bag containing white powder that tested positive for cocaine and a capsule identified as amphetamine and dextroamphetamine, commonly sold as Adderall.

Federal investigators also cited text messages between Ross and the former campaign manager. The affidavit says the FBI later equipped the former campaign manager with a recording device for a meeting with Ross.

During that meeting, prosecutors allege Ross told him to move forward with the plan if he could successfully carry it out.

Ross won the August Republican primary for House District 161 but withdrew from the race a few days after his arrest.

The Jasper County Republican Central Committee later selected Secker to replace him.

Ross remained jailed for nearly two weeks until a federal court hearing in Springfield. That's where a judge released him on his own recognizance with conditions that included surrendering his passport and having no contact with the alleged victim or witnesses in the case.

“The conduct alleged in these charges are substantial and serious,” FBI Kansas City Special Agent in Charge Chris Ormerod said. He said the case should proceed “fairly, impartially and in accordance with the rule of law.”

Ross’ next federal court hearing is scheduled for Thursday October 1.