URBANA, Ohio — An Urbana City Schools teacher and her husband are facing federal charges after investigators accused the couple of using the U.S. mail system to receive and distribute large quantities of illegal drugs.
According to WHIO in Dayton, federal court documents allege that Ruthann Rankin Salsburey and her husband, Justin Salsburey, participated in a trafficking operation involving fentanyl, methamphetamine, MDMA and anabolic steroids. Investigators say the couple received 261 packages at their Bellefontaine home between August 2024 and December 2025, some of which were shipped using postage purchased with cryptocurrency.
ABC6 in Columbus reported that postal inspectors began tracking shipments to the address after noticing unusual patterns consistent with darknet-related mailing activity. During surveillance, investigators observed both individuals placing items outside the home for others to retrieve. Officers also conducted trash pulls, which tested positive for fentanyl, according to ABC6.
Dayton 24/7 Now published additional details indicating that when federal agents executed a search warrant at the residence, they found large quantities of pills that field-tested positive for controlled substances. Packaging materials, scales and other items associated with trafficking were also collected. Court documents cited by WHIO state that substances were located inside the teacher’s purse along with her Urbana City Schools identification badge.
Rankin reportedly told investigators she believed some pills were legitimate medications such as Adderall or benzodiazepines and said she occasionally placed them in the mailbox or a cooler at her husband’s request, according to reporting from ABC6 in Columbus.
Justin Salsburey has been booked into the Franklin County Jail and is being held pending future hearings. Rankin is also facing federal charges. A court date has not yet been set, according to local media reports.
Urbana City Schools has not released a statement regarding Rankin’s employment status.