Former Republican 161st District state representative candidate Thomas Ross waived the reading of his indictment and pleaded not guilty this morning in U. S. District Court in Springfield.
Ross, 36, Joplin is charged with conspiracy to distribute cocaine and amphetamine, distribution of cocaine and amphetamine and unlawful use a communication facility (a telephone) in connection with the conspiracy.
The charges are all related to an alleged plot by Ross to plant drugs on his primary opponent Louise Secker.After his arrest last month, Ross dropped out of his campaign and the Jasper County Republican Central Committee selected Secker as his replacement.
Ross remains free on bond.