The family bodyguard of Ohio gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy has been arrested on federal charges of drug trafficking.
Justin Salsburey, 43, and his wife, 38-year-old Ruthann Rankin, a teacher, were each charged on December 30 with conspiracy and possession with the intent to distribute large amounts of narcotics through the U.S. mail.
Authorities with a search warrant discovered 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 home between August and December 2024.
Salsburey was employed by a private security agency, according to Ramaswamy’s campaign spokesperson, and had passed background checks from the company, the FBI, and Ohio’s federal bureau of investigation, as well as clearing random drug testing.
Ramaswamy is a biotech entrepenuer and author of Woke Inc.
Both Trump and current Ohio governor Mike DeWine have endorsed Ramaswamy for governor, who faces a Republican primary in May.