Ross Ulbricht — the now infamous operator of the [Bitcoin-based] Silk Road online drug trade — has had over $1 million pledged to use as bail money by friends and family. Ulbricht is currency in a jail pending trial.
Ulbricht’s parents have apparently pledged $700,000 in equity from their home, his sister has pledged her savings of $36,600, and his aunt $200,000 in home equity.
In a letter from Tuesday [19 November 2013], Ross Ulbricht’s counsel Joshua Dratal notes that Ulbicht’s bail hearing is scheduled for the 21st of November [tomorrow]. The letter also reads:
“The many letters of support submitted with this application demonstrate that Mr. Ulbricht is reliable and trustworthy, will comply with pretrial supervision, appear in court as directed, surrender to custody if required, and as result does not present any danger to the community or risk of flight.”