Bodyguard for Ohio Gubernatorial Candidate Vivek Ramaswamy Arrested on Federal Drug Trafficking Charges

COLUMBUS, Ohio — A former member of the private security detail protecting the family of Republican Ohio governor candidate Vivek Ramaswamy has been arrested on serious federal drug trafficking charges, authorities confirmed Wednesday.

Justin Salsburey, 43, of Bellefontaine, Ohio, and his wife, Ruthann Salsburey (also known as Ruthann Rankin), 38, an Urbana City Schools teacher, were taken into custody following an investigation into alleged narcotics distribution. The couple faces charges in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio, including conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, as well as possession with intent to distribute mixtures containing fentanyl and methamphetamine.

Federal prosecutors allege the pair received 261 suspected drug parcels via mail between August 2024 and December 2025. According to court documents, Ruthann Salsburey reportedly told investigators that her husband began selling steroids before escalating to other substances.

Salsburey was employed by ARK Protection Group, a private security firm contracted to provide protection for Ramaswamy's family. The firm immediately removed him from the detail upon learning of the allegations.

In a statement, Ramaswamy campaign spokeswoman Connie Luck said the candidate and his family were "alarmed to hear this disturbing news." She emphasized that Salsburey had passed multiple background checks, including FBI and state-level screenings, as well as pre-employment and random drug tests. "Vivek and his family take matters of safety seriously and support efforts to hold these individuals accountable for these allegations if they are proven," Luck added.

Ramaswamy, a biotech entrepreneur and former 2024 presidential candidate, is the frontrunner in the Republican primary for Ohio's 2026 gubernatorial race, with endorsements including from President Donald Trump. He resides in suburban Columbus with his wife and young children.

The case highlights ongoing concerns over fentanyl trafficking amid the national opioid crisis. The investigation remains active, and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

17GEN4.com