Vivek Ramaswamy 'alarmed' after family's bodyguard charged for drug trafficking

Source: The Guardian

Fri 9 Jan 2026 16.57 EST
Last modified on Fri 9 Jan 2026 17.22 EST


Republican Ohio gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy has expressed concern after his family’s bodyguard was arrested recently on federal drug-trafficking charges. Justin Salsburey, 43, and his wife, 38-year-old Ruthann Rankin, were each charged on 30 December with conspiracy and possession with the intent to distribute large amounts of narcotics through the US mail.

Authorities executing a search warrant allegedly discovered a trove of illicit drugs at the couple’s home. According to an affidavit filed by an inspector, about 261 parcels containing counterfeit OxyContin pills that tested positive for fentanyl and methamphetamine, as well as MDMA and steroids, were delivered to the couple’s western Ohio home between August 2024 and December.

Salsburey was employed by a private security firm contracted by Ramaswamy’s family to provide protective services, campaign spokesperson Connie Luck told the Guardian. She said the family had been “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,” Luck said.

Rankin has also been removed from her employment as a schoolteacher in nearby Urbana and placed on unpaid leave while the investigation continues, according to a statement posted by the school district.

Read more: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jan/09/vivek-ramaswamy-bodyguard-drug-trafficking