WIDESPREAD SUPPORT
There is a strong consensus that Ross’s case is a miscarriage of justice.
Over 250 organizations, eminent individuals & leaders have voiced support.
- First-time offender
- All non-violent charges
- Two life sentences + 40 years without parole
Ross Ulbricht is condemned to die in prison for creating an e-commerce website called Silk Road. An entrepreneur passionate about free markets and privacy, he was 26 when he made the site. He was never prosecuted for causing harm or bodily injury and no victim was named at trial.
Users of Silk Road chose to exchange a variety of goods, both legal and illegal, including drugs (most commonly small amounts of cannabis). Prohibited was anything involuntary that could harm a third party.
Ross was not convicted of selling drugs or illegal items himself, but was held responsible for what others sold on the site.
“Silk Road was supposed to be about giving people the freedom to make their own choices, to pursue their own happiness, however they individually saw fit. [It] turned out to be a naive and costly idea that I deeply regret.”
– Ross in sentencing letter to his judge
THE DOUBLE LIFE + 40-YEAR SENTENCE
None of the other defendants related to the case received sentences above ten years, including those behind Silk Road 2.0, a larger replica. Some of them are already free today.
Ross’s judge used uncharged allegations that were never ruled on by a jury to justify her sentence, in violation of the Sixth Amendment. She also violated the First Amendment by sentencing Ross, in part, on what she believed was his political philosophy.
“…such a sentence should, at the very least, be reserved for the worst crimes committed by repeat offenders…Ross’s crime is nowhere near that category and his sentence was grossly excessive.”
– Shon Hopwood. Law Professor, Georgetown University
SMEARED WITH FALSE ALLEGATIONS
Ross consistently denied the allegations (which relied on anonymous online chats never proven to have been authored by him) and those who know him never believed them. Even the only alleged victim ever identified, Curtis Green, is a fervent supporter of Ross’s clemency.
THE REAL, UNTOLD STORY
The Real, Untold Story is the most comprehensive, researched behind-the-scene narrative about the creation, investigation and shutdown of Silk Road, and the prosecution of Ross Ulbricht. With over 400 references to direct evidence and source material, it contains never-before-seen information about what really happened in the Silk Road case.
It goes much deeper than the often superficial, inaccurate and sensationalized media coverage.
THE SILK ROAD CASE
The investigation, trial and sentencing were riddled with corruption and violations, including:
WE NEED YOUR HELP
Ross is now serving his 7th year in prison. He was an idealistic entrepreneur who never intended harm. He has taken responsibility for his mistake and deeply regrets it. He has learned his lesson the hard way. If released tomorrow, he would never break the law again.
Ross clings to the hope of a second chance and dreams of a future where he can start a family, contribute to society and inspire change as an advocate for criminal justice reform.
This has been a long, hard fight but we remain hopeful and optimistic. We are not a wealthy family though and we cannot do this alone. We are just regular people working every day to get Ross some relief.
Please join us, not just for Ross, but against injustice and for your rights.
SUPPORTING ORGANIZATIONS
