Vivek Ramaswamy’s Ex-Bodyguard Arrested on Federal Drug Trafficking Charges
COLUMBUS, Ohio — A bodyguard who once protected Vivek Ramaswamy’s family has been federally charged in a major drug trafficking investigation, a development that raises questions about background screening on political security teams just as the Ohio governor’s race heats up.
The case centers on Justin Salsburey, 43, and his wife Ruthann Rankin, who were arrested late last year on allegations they shipped and distributed illegal drugs, including fentanyl and methamphetamine, through the U.S. mail, according to federal court filings.
Investigators with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and local law enforcement allege more than 250 narcotics packages were tied to the couple’s Ohio address between August 2024 and December 2025, and authorities seized hundreds of grams of controlled substances during a residential search on Dec. 30.
Campaign spokesperson Connie Luck said Ramaswamy’s family was “alarmed” by the arrests and that Salsburey was “immediately removed” from the security detail once the matter came to light. She added he had passed multiple background checks and drug tests before employment with the private firm providing protective services.
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Federal prosecutors have charged the couple with conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances; both remain in custody awaiting further proceedings.
“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 said.
The arrests come at a politically sensitive moment, with Ramaswamy leading the Republican field in the Ohio governor’s race, underscoring scrutiny of vetting processes for campaign personnel and contractors. Additional hearings in the case are expected in the coming weeks.
For now, the investigation continues to unfold, and federal authorities have not announced trial dates.
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