What specific federal charges are Justin Salsburey and his wife facing in this case?

Justin Salsburey and his wife, Ruthann Salsburey (also reported as Rankin), are charged in federal court with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, and possession with intent to distribute a detectable amount of fentanyl and methamphetamine, based on parcels mailed to their Ohio home.

How were authorities first alerted to the alleged drug-trafficking operation involving the bodyguard?

According to a criminal complaint and affidavit, the investigation began after the Logan County Sheriff’s Office informed a U.S. Postal Inspection Service inspector that Justin Salsburey was receiving bulk narcotics at his home, leading investigators to review approximately 261 parcels sent to the couple.

What kinds of drugs did investigators say were contained in the parcels sent to the couple’s home?

State and federal authorities said the seized counterfeit pills tested positive for fentanyl, methamphetamine, MDMA, and other suspected controlled substances and steroids.

What was Justin Salsburey’s role on Vivek Ramaswamy’s security team, and how did the campaign respond to his arrest?

Justin Salsburey worked for ARK Protection Group on Vivek Ramaswamy’s family security detail, and after being informed of the federal investigation, the private security firm immediately removed him from the detail, according to a campaign spokesperson.

Did Justin Salsburey pass background checks and drug tests before working for the Ramaswamy family?

Yes, the campaign spokesperson said Salsburey passed multiple background checks, including FBI and state Bureau of Criminal Investigation checks, and never failed pre-employment or random drug screenings while working for the security firm.

3 sources

•

1M ago

Vivek Ramaswamy’s family bodyguard arrested on federal drug-trafficking charges

Vivek Ramaswamy's family bodyguard and his wife were arrested on federal charges alleging conspiracy and intent to distribute counterfeit pills mailed to their Ohio home.

Overview

A summary of the key points of this story verified across multiple sources.

Justin Salsburey, 43, employed as a family bodyguard, and his wife, Ruthann Rankin, 38, were charged Dec. 30 with conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute.

Authorities say 261 parcels of counterfeit OxyContin and other pills, some testing positive for fentanyl, methamphetamine, MDMA and steroids, were mailed to the couple's western Ohio home.

The bodyguard worked for ARK Protection Group, contracted for protective services; campaign officials say the firm immediately removed him from the Ramaswamy family's security detail.

Campaign spokesperson Connie Luck said Salsburey passed multiple background checks — including by the FBI and Ohio investigators — and cleared pre-employment and random drug screenings.

Salsburey is held in Franklin County jail pending trial; Rankin was held then released. Ramaswamy said his family is alarmed and supports accountability if alleged.

Written using shared reports from

3 sources

Report issue

Analysis

Compare how each side frames the story — including which facts they emphasize or leave out.

Center-leaning sources present this reporting neutrally, focusing on verifiable facts (charges, number of parcels, employment and detention statuses) and attributing claims to named sources (campaign spokesperson, criminal complaints, school district). Editorial language is minimal; emphasis is on documented developments and official statements rather than speculation or partisan framing.

How we categorize media bias

Sources (3)

Compare how different news outlets are covering this story.

Sort By

FAQ

Dig deeper on this story with frequently asked questions.

: Justin Salsburey and his wife, Ruthann Salsburey (also reported as Rankin), are charged in federal court with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, and possession with intent to distribute a detectable amount of fentanyl and methamphetamine, based on parcels mailed to their Ohio home.
Sources:
WOSU
: According to a criminal complaint and affidavit, the investigation began after the Logan County Sheriff’s Office informed a U.S. Postal Inspection Service inspector that Justin Salsburey was receiving bulk narcotics at his home, leading investigators to review approximately 261 parcels sent to the couple.
Sources:
WOSU
: State and federal authorities said the seized counterfeit pills tested positive for fentanyl, methamphetamine, MDMA, and other suspected controlled substances and steroids.
Sources:
CBS Austin / WSYX
: Justin Salsburey worked for ARK Protection Group on Vivek Ramaswamy’s family security detail, and after being informed of the federal investigation, the private security firm immediately removed him from the detail, according to a campaign spokesperson.
Sources:
KATV / WSYX
: Yes, the campaign spokesperson said Salsburey passed multiple background checks, including FBI and state Bureau of Criminal Investigation checks, and never failed pre-employment or random drug screenings while working for the security firm.
Sources:
WOSU