Missouri candidate charged with trying to plant cocaine on his political rival

Thomas Ross, a 37-year-old Missouri House candidate, made an initial court appearance Thursday to face federal charges of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances. Prosecutors allege that Ross attempted to orchestrate a scheme to plant cocaine and Adderall on his Republican primary opponent.

The charges stem from accusations that Ross solicited his campaign manager to assist in placing the illicit substances on his rival. The case is currently moving through the federal court system in Missouri.