Throughout his life, Ross Ulbricht has consistently shown his kind, generous and caring nature. The prosecution’s and some of the media’s depiction of him as a dangerous kingpin is a fiction that maligned a peaceful and gentle man, who is deeply loved and missed by those who know him. After his arrest, even people Ross had not seen in years stepped up to show support and contribute bail pledges and defense funds.
From a young age, Ross has been known as peace-loving and compassionate. He has never condoned or inflicted violence. Rather, he has adhered to the non-aggression principle of “do no harm” and believed in personal freedom as long as it doesn’t hurt another. Ross has always treated everyone he encounters with respect and kindness, regardless of their status, age, or income.
(10 months before Ross’s arrest)
Over 300 individuals, ranging from family members to friends to fellow prisoners, have written and signed sentencing letters [PDF], clemency letters and testimonials, vouching for Ross character and supporting his clemency.
Eagle Scout, Honors Student and Research Scientist
Born in 1984, Ross Ulbricht grew up in Austin, Texas, with his parents Kirk and Lyn and his sister Calla. At a young age, he contributed to his community as a Boy Scout and attained the rank of Eagle Scout. He is an avid camper who loves the outdoors and the wilderness.
As an honors student, he earned full academic scholarships to the University of Texas, where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in physics, and to Pennsylvania State University, where he received a master’s degree in materials science.
At both schools, Ross worked as a research scientist. At the UT Dallas Nanotech Institute, Ross developed advances in solar energy, and at Penn State, he created and developed oxide thin films for technological use. Ross published his findings on solar electricity and crystallography in peer-reviewed academic journals. Ross’s Master’s thesis is available here. Some of his published research papers are available here, here, and here.
Idealistic Libertarian
In his early twenties, Ross developed a deep interest in libertarian philosophy. While attending Penn State University, he joined the libertarian club, worked on Ron Paul’s presidential campaign and brought him to campus. Ross spent significant time thinking and writing about the ideas of limited government and individual freedom, and grew passionate about sharing the ideas of liberty, privacy and free markets.
Ross was offered a scholarship to pursue a Ph.D at Cornell University but, by that time, he had become more interested in economic theory, currency trading, and starting his own business. After graduating from Penn State, Ross moved back to Austin and ran Good Wagon Books, a used book business that collected unwanted books and sold them on eBay. He donated 10% of gross earnings to charity and donated unsold books to a prison literacy program.
In late 2010, less than two years after leaving college, Ross started working on an idea for an e-commerce website that allowed users to buy goods anonymously. Then, in early 2011, at 26 years old, he put the website online, calling it Silk Road.
Model Prisoner
Since the beginning of his incarceration in 2013, Ross has had an exemplary conduct. He has benefited fellow prisoners by tutoring, teaching classes (math, science, Adult Continuing Education classes, meditation) and mediating conflicts between the men in his unit. He has also served as a suicide-watch companion and vocational instructor. He has never received a disciplinary sanction.
In 2018, Ross remained true to his non-violent principles and jeopardized his own life 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.
Over 150 former and current fellow prisoners have signed letters and written testimonials attesting to his good influence and supporting his clemency.
Ideal Clemency Candidate
Ross Ulbricht has shown profound remorse and taken responsibility for the mistakes that led him to prison and would never break the law again if freed. You can read the heartfelt letter [PDF] he wrote to the president.
While in prison, Ross has continued his education, studying various subjects, such as economics, physics and artificial intelligence. His essays written from prison on a wide range of topics are available on Medium.
Ross yearns to rejoin society and is committed to positively contributing to his community with his knowledge and skills 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.
Who Ross is NOT
Despite what the prosecutors and some of the media portrayed, Ross has:
- NEVER BEEN motivated by money: Ross has led a simple life with modest possessions. Right before his arrest, he didn’t own a car and shared a house with three roommates (who visited him in jail and testified on his behalf at trial).
- NEVER BEEN a violent kingpin or criminal mastermind: Ross’s entire life (including in prison) is living proof that this is utterly false. In his twenties, Ross was an idealist. He cared about bettering the world. He was not motivated by money or power, dedicating himself to causes he believed in.
“Our entire family loves Ross and miss him terribly. Ross’s brutal, inflexible sentence has caused unimaginable suffering and grief to every one of us.”
– Gale LaCava, aunt, in clemency letter
“While I know Ross is serving as a positive light in the lives of his fellow inmates, he could be doing so much more for society as a free man…It would be a great tragedy and waste to have him kept away from society.”
– Catharine Becket, step-cousin, in clemency letter
“Ross helped me get my life back on track. […] Since then, I’ve been completely sober and have avoided all conflict. […] Because of Ross’s friendship and influence, I can see what a waste it would be to come back to prison, and I finally feel I have the strength to succeed in my second chance at freedom!”
– Jonathan D., fellow prisoner & cellmate, in clemency letter
“Mr. Ulbricht sits with the four of us every single day and we’ve made such great progress…He does all this without any expectation of something in return. It is solely to help others…His kindness and devotion to excellence have truly inspired us all.”
– Michael V., fellow prisoner and student, in letter to judge
“I will always remember Ross’s kindness and compassion. Ross is naturally predisposed to helping others. I have dedicated my life to community service and recognize that capacity in others. He is one of the most brilliant, sensitive, kind person I have ever had the pleasure to meet. It is heartbreaking to know that he is condemned to die in prison.”
– Jenni Stewart, longtime friend, in clemency letter
“Ross is a pacifist, and someone generous with his time and knowledge. He was never concerned about money. He wanted to solve problems and make things better for others…Everything Ross has done with his science research and career decisions has been motivated by helping others…Ross has a good heart.”
– Austin Tindle, friend, in clemency letter
“I attribute our friendship largely to Ross’s kindness, generosity, and selflessness…He was genuinely interested in what he could do that might possibly make our lives better. I have witnessed Ross offering support to many people…He has a good heart and is missed by all of us who had the chance to know him.”
– Hannah Thornton, friend, in clemency letter