Ross Ulbricht’s Exemplary Prison Conduct
“I turned 38 yesterday, my 9th birthday in prison. I made a timeline of my life, with my death estimated at 80 years old. Prison has been a major phase of my life so far. I’m not the man I was when I came in. I’ve learned from my mistakes and the harm I’ve caused.”
– Ross Ulbricht (March 2022)
Recognized as a “Model” Prisoner
Throughout the ordeal of his double life plus 40-year sentence, at times in a dangerous environment, Ross Ulbricht has consistently been a “model” prisoner and a good influence on those around him, as recognized by the Bureau of Prisons. Below are two excerpts from Ross’s BOP psychology file:
“He was encouraged to maintain his high frequency of voluntary participation and continue to grow being a model for others.”
“Mr. Ulbricht has also been integral in helping other community members when they struggle.”
Incarcerated Since 2013
- Deeply remorseful and takes full responsibility for the mistakes that led him to prison.
- Has never received a disciplinary sanction.
- Over 150 former and current fellow prisoners have signed letters and written testimonials attesting to his good influence and supporting his clemency.
- Is enrolled in a Master’s in Psychology via correspondence. Ross hopes to learn how to better understand the struggles his fellow prisoners are going through and help them become men that will be a benefit to society when they are released.
- Has graduated from a year-long live-in cognitive behavioral therapy program often considered the most thorough rehabilitation program in the federal prison system.
- Has helped facilitate therapy groups several times a week for prisoners who are coping with drug abuse and/or mental illness problems.
- Has mentored fellow prisoners, especially those who are preparing to reenter society and are lacking the tools and support to be successful and not re-offend.
- Has served as a conflict mediator in his prison unit (nearly 100 men). During his time as a mediator, no physical altercation took place in his unit.
- Has served as a Suicide Watch Companion.
- Has been part of the prison Newsletter Committee. The committee gives prisoners the opportunity to share news and showcase their prison accomplishments.
- Has taught yoga and meditation classes to help fellow prisoners find peace and deal with frustration and despair.
- Has tutored to help fellow prisoners pass their high school equivalency tests (GED) and get into remote colleges.
- Has taught Adult Continuing Education courses in math and science.
- Has completed several educational programs (including The Moth storytelling and ToastMasters International programs).
- Has been universally liked by both prison staff and prisoners in every prison he has been in.
In 2018, while incarcerated in Florence, CO, at a prison known for its violence and gangs, Ross remained true to his non-violent principles and jeopardized his own safety by refusing to participate in an assault on another prisoner. As a result, he had to spend months in protective custody, locked 24/7 in an 8×10’ cell (also known as the “SHU”). He was later, for his safety, transferred to Tucson, AZ, where he currently is held.
COMMITTED TO DOING GOOD
Ross is committed to positively contributing to society once free. In 2020, he published his idea for a new, revolutionary technology using AI that would help fight the sharing of harmful content online. Unfortunately, he cannot access the resources to work on this further from prison.
Ross has also dedicated part of the sale of his art to relieving the suffering of fellow prisoners and their families through a new charitable fund called Art4Giving. So far, over $765,000 has been donated to charity, thanks to Ross’s art.