Archive · 10 Jan 2026
Ramaswamy's Bodyguard Arrested on Drug Charges
A man who worked as a bodyguard for Republican Ohio gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy and his wife were arrested on drug trafficking charges.
They are accused of sending 261 parcels containing fake pills through the mail.
The bodyguard, Justin Salsburey, had passed background checks and drug tests before working for the Ramaswamys.
The security company removed him immediately after learning about the charges.
The Ramaswamy family is shocked and supports efforts to hold the individuals accountable if the allegations are proven.
Justin Salsburey and his wife, Ruthann Rankin, were charged with conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute narcotics.
Salsburey worked as a bodyguard for Republican Ohio gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy's family.
261 parcels containing counterfeit OxyContin and other pills were sent to their home between August 2024 and October 2024.
Salsburey had passed multiple background checks and drug tests before his employment.
The security firm, ARK Protection Group, removed Salsburey from the family's security detail upon learning of the charges.
- Who
- Justin Salsburey and Ruthann Rankin
- What
- Arrested on federal drug trafficking charges
- When
- Charged late last month, parcels delivered between August 2024 and October 2024
- Where
- Western Ohio, Franklin County jail in Columbus
- Why
- Alleged conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute narcotics
- Individuals Charged
- Justin Salsburey and Ruthann Rankin
- Charges
- Conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute narcotics
- Number of Parcels
- 261
- Time Period
- August 2024 to October 2024
- Substances Involved
- Counterfeit OxyContin and other pills
- Security Firm
- ARK Protection Group
- Current Status of Salsburey
- Held in Franklin County jail
- Background Checks
- Cleared multiple background checks and drug tests