"Silk Road Founder’s Mother Launches 'MACS' Nonprofit to Reform Harsh Sentencing"

# Lyn Ulbricht Introduces Nonprofit Advocating for Justice Reform at Bitcoin 2025 Conference On October 28, Bitcoin.com announced that Lyn Ulbricht, mother of Silk Road founder Ross Ulbricht, launched a nonprofit organization, Mothers Against Cruel Sentencing (MACS), at the Bitcoin 2025 Conference. The organization focuses on advocating for criminal justice reform, specifically targeting excessively harsh sentences for nonviolent offenders. MACS was born out of Lyn Ulbricht’s belief in the need to address unjust sentencing practices. Her son, Ross Ulbricht, creator of the notorious online marketplace Silk Road, is currently serving a life sentence without parole for charges related to the operation of the platform. Lyn Ulbricht established MACS to highlight these sentencing injustices and to push for significant reforms. Earlier this year, former President Donald Trump issued a full pardon for Ross Ulbricht, reigniting broader discussions on sentencing reform. Lyn Ulbricht stressed the harsh realities faced by nonviolent offenders, stating, “Thousands of nonviolent offenders like Ross are serving disproportionately long prison terms—spanning years, decades, and sometimes their entire lives.” MACS aims to represent the interests of offenders and their families, advocating for fair and proportional sentencing that corresponds with the crime committed. According to the organization’s website, MACS describes itself as “a coalition of mothers and others who believe in returning to fair and reasonable sentencing.” The nonprofit was officially introduced during the "Women of Bitcoin Brunch," an event celebrating influential women within the Bitcoin community. This launch provided attendees an opportunity to connect with MACS’ mission and discuss how to support the organization through various initiatives and contributions. Operating as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, MACS prioritizes the repeal of excessively punitive sentencing laws and offers support to families affected by these penalties. The organization emphasizes values of fairness and compassion, aiming to equip victims of harsh sentencing with resources for justice and recovery. “Our nation must move away from excessive sentencing that is un-American, immoral, and unconstitutional,” asserts the MACS website. By centering its efforts on reform and advocacy, MACS aspires to advance the conversation on fair and just punishment within the U.S. justice system.