A former bodyguard employed to protect the family of Republican Ohio gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy has been arrested and charged with federal drug trafficking offences, sparking alarm within the campaign.
Security Detail Member and Wife Face Serious Charges
Justin Salsburey, 43, from Bellefontaine, Ohio, and his wife, Ruthann Rankin, were each charged in late December 2025 with conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute large quantities of narcotics through the United States Postal Service. According to the criminal complaints, an astonishing 261 parcels containing counterfeit OxyContin and other pills were delivered to the couple's western Ohio residence between August 2024 and last month.
Salsburey was employed by ARK Protection Group, a private security firm contracted by the Ramaswamy family. Campaign spokesperson Connie Luck confirmed the firm removed him from the family's security detail immediately upon learning of the allegations. In a separate development, the local school district announced that Ruthann Rankin has been removed from her position as a teacher in nearby Urbana.
Campaign Expresses Disturbance Over Background Checks
In a statement, Luck conveyed the candidate's concern, saying, "Vivek’s family contracts with a private security firm for protective services and was alarmed to hear this disturbing news." She emphasised that Salsburey had undergone multiple background checks prior to his employment, run by the security company, the FBI, and the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation. The most recent check was conducted by Ohio State University's Wexner Medical Center in September 2025.
Furthermore, Luck stated that Salsburey passed a pre-employment drug test and never failed a random screening during his tenure. The campaign has asserted its full support for efforts to hold the individuals accountable if the allegations are proven. "Vivek and his family take matters of safety seriously," Luck added in a text message.
Legal Proceedings and Ongoing Fallout
According to jail records, Justin Salsburey is currently being held at the Franklin County jail in Columbus. It remains unclear whether his wife, Ruthann Rankin, is also in custody. Attempts to reach an attorney who previously represented Salsburey for comment were not immediately successful.
The incident introduces an unexpected security and reputational challenge for Vivek Ramaswamy as he campaigns for the Ohio governorship in the 2026 election. The case underscores the rigorous vetting processes expected for personnel in close proximity to political figures and their families, especially those involving controlled substances and federal mail systems.
