Missouri GOP Primary Winner Charged in Drug-Planting Scheme
Party leaders urged Thomas Ross to withdraw after his arrest, while officials said they could not disclose the charges or confirm a federal investigation.
- On Wednesday, police arrested Thomas Ross, the Republican nominee for Missouri House District 161, on an "unspecified warrant" in Joplin; he remains held without bond in the Joplin City Jail.
- Missouri Republican Party Chairman Peter Kinder called on Ross to "immediately withdraw his candidacy" Wednesday, citing "serious and deeply troubling" circumstances; the Jasper County Republican Central Committee echoed the demand.
- Democratic nominee Aaron Metzger told The Independent his "thoughts are with family during this devastating time," while Ben Peters, Missouri House communications director, stated the House trusts the legal process.
- Under state law, Ross has until Sept. 8 to withdraw his candidacy, though the Joplin Police Department and City of Joplin declined to share additional details about the charges he faces.
- Past Missouri candidates have faced similar pressure; Tricia Derges was indicted on 20 federal felony counts in 2021 and later sentenced to six years and three months in prison, while Rick Roeber won his election despite abuse accusations.
14 Articles
14 Articles
Missouri Republican Candidate Accused of Plotting to Frame Primary Opponent With Drugs
Joplin, Missouri — A Republican candidate for the Missouri House has been charged in federal court after prosecutors accused him of plotting to plant cocaine and Adderall on a primary opponent in an effort to damage her campaign. Thomas Ross, who won the Republican nomination for Missouri’s 161st House District by 32 votes, was charged Wednesday with conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance. According to a federal criminal complaint, Ross…
Webster County Citizen
Missouri GOP calls for Joplin legislative candidate to withdraw after arrest
Thomas Ross, the Republican nominee for Missouri’s 161st House District, is being held without bond in the Joplin City Jail after being arrested Wednesday on an “unspecified warrant,” according to the city’s public safety portal. Missouri Republican Party Chairman Peter…
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