A powerful new nonprofit, Mothers Against Cruel Sentencing, launched publicly during the Bitcoin 2025 conference in Las Vegas. The group is the work of Lyn Ulbricht, the mother of Ross Ulbricht, who was serving a life sentence without parole for his role in the Silk Road online marketplace. Now, this grassroots organization aims to challenge the national pattern of excessive and inhumane prison terms.
The mission behind the movement
Lyn Ulbricht created Mothers Against Cruel Sentencing after watching her son receive one of the harshest punishments ever given for a nonviolent crime. Because thousands of other families face similar injustice, she founded MACS to support those impacted and to push for sentencing that fits the offense. As a result, the launch has already sparked interest among civil rights and reform advocates.
A national spotlight at a global event
To introduce the organization, Ulbricht spoke at the Women of Bitcoin Brunch, a well-attended event featuring many leaders in the Bitcoin community. While speaking about MACS’s mission, she highlighted how Mothers joined to fight against cruel sentencing and also urged others to step forward and help bring humanity back to criminal justice. Since the brunch attracts global attention, the timing helped accelerate awareness for the cause.
Advocacy that puts families first
MACS is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit and offers education, public outreach, and family support services. It also works to challenge extreme sentencing laws through organized advocacy. Although Ulbricht’s personal experience drives the message, the mission of Mothers Against Cruel Sentencing extends far beyond one case. Thousands of nonviolent individuals remain behind bars simply because outdated laws leave no room for judicial discretion.
Why the system needs to change now
Across the country, families are watching loved ones disappear into prison for decades. Despite reforms in some areas, federal sentencing remains dangerously out of balance. That’s why Mothers Against Cruel Sentencing is stepping forward now. Visit mothersagainstcruelsentencing.org to join the movement, support families, or learn how to help fight back against injustice.
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