Ohio gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy’s family bodyguard, Justin Salsburey, found himself in hot water last week after being arrested on federal drug trafficking charges. Authorities discovered a stash of illegal drugs, including pills containing fentanyl, methamphetamine, MDMA, and steroids, at the home he shared with his bodybuilder wife, Ruthann Rankin.
Salsburey, 43, was employed by a private security firm contracted by Ramaswamy’s family to provide protective services. The family was shocked and alarmed by the news and immediately removed Salsburey from the security detail upon learning of the allegations. Background checks and drug screenings had been conducted prior to his employment, but federal authorities caught wind of his alleged drug dealing operation in November 2025.
The United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) received information that the couple was receiving shipments of bulk narcotics, leading to the discovery of 31 parcels with postage purchased using cryptocurrency. A search of the couple’s garbage turned up evidence of drug paraphernalia, and intercepted packages revealed the presence of fentanyl and other illegal substances.
Investigators observed the couple leaving objects on their porch for other individuals to pick up, with one person admitting to purchasing Adderall from them. A subsequent search of their home turned up a significant amount of illegal drugs, including fentanyl, methamphetamine, MDMA, and steroids. Rankin, a schoolteacher and bodybuilder, confessed to authorities that Salsburey had started selling steroids, which eventually escalated to selling other drugs.
Both Salsburey and Rankin have been charged with conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine, as well as possession with intent to distribute. Ramaswamy, who is currently leading in the Ohio governor’s race, holds a narrow 1-point lead over Democrat Amy Acton according to recent polls.
The shocking arrest of Ramaswamy’s family bodyguard has undoubtedly caused a stir in the political landscape of Ohio. The candidate and his family are cooperating with authorities and are committed to supporting efforts to hold those involved accountable for their actions.
