The family bodyguard for Ohio gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy was arrested on Federal drug trafficking charges.
Justin Salsburey, 43, was arrested after authorities conducted a search warrant at his home and discovered methamphetamine and pills that had traces of fentanyl.
The Columbus Dispatch further reported Salsburey is accused of receiving 261 packages of narcotics through the mail between August 2024 and December 2025.
A spokesperson for Ramaswamy stated, “Vivek’s family contracts with a private security firm for protective services and was alarmed to hear this disturbing news. Upon being informed of this matter in recent days, the outside security firm immediately removed the individual from the security detail.”
The spokesperson added, “Prior to employment, the individual cleared multiple background checks conducted by the security company, as well as FBI and BCI background checks.”
Vivek Ramaswamy’s bodyguard hit with federal drug trafficking charges over fentanyl and meth dealing allegations https://t.co/Y5eGYpTqEY pic.twitter.com/cRTm3Jr98K
— New York Post (@nypost) January 9, 2026
Per The New York Post:
Ohio gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy’s family bodyguard was arrested last week and hit with federal drug trafficking charges after authorities found pills containing fentanyl, methamphetamine and MDMA, as well as steroids, at the home he shared with his bodybuilder wife.
Justin Salsburey, 43, and his wife, Ruthann Rankin, were taken into custody on Dec. 30, following the execution of a search warrant that allegedly discovered a trove of illegal drugs – some stashed in nicotine pouch containers – at the couple’s home, jail records and court documents show.
Salsburey was employed by a private security firm contracted by Ramaswamy’s family to provide protective services, a campaign spokesperson told The Post, noting that the family was “alarmed to hear this disturbing news.”
Federal authorities caught wind of Salsburey’s and Rankin’s alleged drug dealing operation in November 2025, when postal inspectors in Columbus, Ohio received information from the Logan County Ohio Sheriff’s Office that the couple “was receiving shipments of bulk narcotics,” according to an affidavit filed by an inspector.
Vivek Ramaswamy is currently the leading Republican candidate to replace Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, who is ineligible to run for re-election due to term limits.
Ramamswamy, who has already received an endorsement from President Trump, is currently leading his Democratic opponent, Amy Acton, in the polls.
On Wednesday, Ramaswamy, during a campaign event, announced that he has selected Ohio Senate President Rob McColley as his running mate.
The Ohio gubernatorial election takes place in November of this year.
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