Letters & Testimonials from Fellow Prisoners
Ross Ulbricht is currently serving his 12th year in prison. During that time, he has had an exemplary conduct and been a benefit to others. He has been recognized as a “model” prisoner by the Bureau of Prisons.
Over 150 former and current fellow prisoners have signed letters and written testimonials attesting to Ross’s positive influence and supporting his clemency.
Below are some highlights, including from men Ross has helped stay drug-free:
“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 Davis, fellow prisoner & cellmate, USP Tucson. Letter
“He is nothing like the books or the internet describe […] He is a humble man who at anytime will drop whatever he is doing to assist anyone in need […] Ross’s patience and peaceful presence has helped me immensely day to day as I learn to cope without the use of drugs and alcohol, and to solve my problems without violence. ”
– Dean Sainsbury, fellow prisoner, USP Tucson. Letter
“He has had an impact on the entire community by heading the mediation team, teaching mindfulness meditation courses, and providing great insight.”
– S.H. Hassan, fellow prisoner, USP Tucson. Letter
“You’ve set a great example by digging deep to understand the errors in thinking that led you to prison. You’ve shown genuine remorse and a desire to be a better person, and it inspires me to do the same.”
– Chad Dillon, fellow prisoner, USP Tucson. Testimonial
“You’ve been instrumental in making our dorm a safe, comfortable environment.”
– Greg Stephen, fellow prisoner, USP Tucson. Testimonial
“I really appreciate the mindfulness class that you facilitate, it keeps calmness in the community.”
– Abdul Lopez, fellow prisoner, USP Tucson. Testimonial
“As an example of admitting one’s faults, I’ve seen Mr. Ulbricht stand in front of the whole community, on a microphone, and talk about his failings and how he wants to make amends”
– Brandon Leal, fellow prisoner, USP Tucson. Testimonial
“I would like to thank you for building me up to become the man I am today. Your support in my treatment has not only led me to walk away from the gang life but has built me to become a father to my 12-year old daughter.”
– Daniel Martinez, fellow prisoner, USP Tucson. Testimonial
“Ross spent his days sharing positive thoughts with the other inmates […] Encouraged them to find peaceful ways to resolve their differences […] On many occasions, he expressed his extreme dislike for violence on any level.”
– Michael Satterfield, former fellow prisoner & cellmate, MCC New York. Letter
“Mr. Ulbricht sits with the four of us every single day and we’ve made such great progres […] 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 Van Praagh, former fellow prisoner & student, MCC New York. Letter
“We were in a tough and challenging environment, but he would do his best to keep his spirits up and he never caused any kind of trouble. […] He helped me and the people in our unit stay positive and hopeful.”
– Anthony DeJohn, former fellow prisoner, USP Florence. Letter
“You are a great role model and have always given me good advice. Thank you for helping me realize how important my family and freedom are. Keep it up. You help a lot of us change our lives.”
– DeJaaron C., fellow prisoner, USP Tucson. Testimonial
“He helps to mentor many individuals. He also teaches meditation, which helps to remove stress which in turn can lead to a reduction in violence in the unit. Personally, he has helped me adjust to life during my first incarceration.”
– Michael Sheeds, fellow prisoner, USP Tucson. Testimonial
“He is well-educated and gives freely of his time to those who wish to benefit from his knowledge. He has tutored students seeking their GED, two others who are working on bachelor degrees by correspondence, and me.”
– Davit Mirzoyan, former fellow prisoner, MCC New York. Letter
“Of all the people in our unit, Ross is facing the most time, but he never complains or tries to bring anyone down […] When I see Ross, who’s [sic] situation is so much worse, and how he remains friendly and kind to me and the others in our unit, it gives me the strength to do the same.”
– Scott Stammers, former fellow prisoner & cellmate, MCC New York Testimonial
“Thank you for teaching me meditation and other mindful techniques. These have helped to reduce my stress and bring a sense of peace to my life.”
– Christopher Reyes, fellow prisoner, USP Tucson. Testimonial
In 2020, 130 fellow prisoners signed a joint letter to ask the President to grant Ross clemency: