In a Manhattan federal courthouse Wednesday, Ross Ulbricht was convicted of charges stemming from his role in founding and operating the Silk Road website that served as a black market version of eBay for worldwide drug dealers and users, reports USA Today.

Federal authorities allege that Ulbricht was the Dread Pirate Roberts, the pseudonym for the leader of online anonymous drug market. He was arrested in Oct. 2013 and accused of narcotics trafficking, money laundering, computer hacking and hiring hit men for murders.

Illegal drugs from ecstasy to cocaine, phony IDs and computer-hacking programs could be purchased on Silk Road from anonymous sellers. Federal investigators report that the website earned about $1.2 billion in sales since it started a little over two years ago.

Ulbricht's defense team claimed the Eagle Scout and physics student was framed by the real operator of the unlawful website, reports TIME.

A jury of six women and six men deliberated for more than three hours before returning the verdict that found Ulbricht guilty on all seven counts, including charges of drug conspiracy, money laundering and engaging in a criminal enterprise.

Ulbricht, 30, showed no emotion as the verdict was read. His parents, seated in the courtroom, held a hand to their forehead as the jury forewoman declared their son guilty on all charges in a seven-count indictment.

U.S. District Court Judge Katherine Forrest schedule his sentencing date for May 15. Ulbricht faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years in prison but could face life behind bars.

As the judge adjourned court, an Ulbricht supporter, his family and friends called out words of support as federal marshals led him away.

Ulbricht glanced at his supporters, waved, and then disappeared through a door.

Outside the courthouse, Ulbricht's parents said he would likely appeal. Much of the defense team's evidence was improperly barred at the trial, they said.

"When it's not an even playing field, it's not a fair trial," said Lyn Ulbricht, his mother. "If we don't have fair trials in this country, then we're all in trouble."

Asked about her son's reaction to the verdict, she said, "I'm sure it's not the best day he's ever had."

Manhattan U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara said Ulbricht's conviction and the seizure of millions of dollars in bitcoins, the electronic currency Silk Road used, should send a message that "the supposed anonymity of the dark web is not a protective shield from arrest and prosecution."

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