Julia Hubbard Lawsuit, Billionaire Heir, Texas Ranger, and 20+ Defendants Accused in Shocking Federal Sex Trafficking Case—Court Denies Dismissal, Trial Looms
Julia Hubbard and Kayla Goedinghaus filed a bombshell federal lawsuit in November 2022 alleging sex trafficking, forced labor, and racketeering against Dallas billionaire real estate heir Trammell Crow Jr., psychologist Benjamin Todd Eller, and over 20 defendants including a Texas Ranger, medical professionals, and business executives who allegedly ran a decade-long trafficking operation. The case was transferred from California to the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas in May 2023, where it remains active under case number 5:23-cv-00580.
The allegations describe a decade-long trafficking operation that plaintiffs allege began in 2010 and involved forced sex acts, drug-facilitated coercion, financial exploitation, and threats against the women and their children.
What Is the Julia Hubbard Lawsuit About?
The lawsuit alleges that Richard Hubbard (Julia’s then-husband and later Kayla’s fiancé) ran a sex and labor trafficking venture called “the Venture” or “the Enterprise” with essential financial support and participation from Trammell Crow Jr., a Dallas billionaire philanthropist and real estate investor.
According to the amended complaint, Richard Hubbard operated the scheme by “making them into threatened, beaten and raped sex slaves,” depriving them of income and property through force, fraud, threats, and coercion. Julia Hubbard allegedly escaped in November 2018, while Kayla Goedinghaus escaped in January 2020.
Who Are the Parties Involved?
Plaintiffs:
- Julia Hubbard, an individual residing in Fairfax, Virginia
- Kayla Goedinghaus, an individual residing in Fairfax, Virginia
Key Defendants:
- Trammell S. Crow Jr., Dallas, Texas resident and billionaire real estate heir
- Dr. Benjamin Todd Eller, psychologist residing in Glendale, California
- Richard Hubbard, residing in Marble Falls, Texas (alleged ringleader)
- Texas Ranger Sergeant Cody Mitchell
- Multiple medical doctors including Dr. Melissa Miller, Dr. Scott Woods, and others who allegedly prescribed controlled substances
- Coe Juracek, senior managing director at Crow Holdings Capital
- Robert Pruitt, president of a data center equipment company
- Casey Grover and RCI Hospitality Holdings, Inc. (owner of Silver City Cabaret)
- Over 20 additional individuals and corporations
What Are the Specific Legal Claims?
The Second Amended Complaint filed March 21, 2024, alleges violations of: sex trafficking under 18 U.S.C. § 1591(a), labor trafficking under 18 U.S.C. § 1589, racketeering under 18 U.S.C. § 1962(c), and RICO conspiracy under 18 U.S.C. § 1962(c).
Sex Trafficking Claims: Plaintiffs allege defendants used force, threats, fraud, and coercion to compel them to engage in commercial sex acts, with Trammell Crow Jr. accused of providing financial support, hosting “Forced Sex Parties” at his properties, and directly participating in the alleged trafficking.
Labor Trafficking Claims: The complaint alleges defendants obtained plaintiffs’ labor through means including force, threats of physical restraint, serious harm, abuse of legal process, and schemes intended to make victims believe non-compliance would result in serious harm or restraint.
RICO Claims: Plaintiffs allege defendants formed an association-in-fact enterprise with the purpose of trafficking women for sexual acts and forced labor, to the financial benefit of Richard Hubbard, Benjamin Eller, and medical defendants, and for the sexual gratification of other defendants.
How Did the Alleged Scheme Operate?
According to court documents, psychologist Dr. Benjamin Todd Eller allegedly played a key role by falsely diagnosing plaintiffs as “seriously psychiatrically troubled” and directing medical doctors to prescribe controlled substances including Xanax, Adderall, Oxycodone, Marinol, Soma, Lorazepam, Clonazepam, Ambien, and Trazadone.
These drugs were then allegedly used to control the women—if they refused to participate in sex acts, the medications were withheld or threatened to be withheld, causing them to fear for their lives. Plaintiffs allege both informed Eller that Richard Hubbard was fraudulently obtaining drugs to force them to commit sex acts, but he ignored their pleas in return for hundreds of thousands of dollars in payments over the years.
In their complaint, the women claim Crow “was a key” to the scheme’s “existence and long running success,” providing financial support in exchange for Richard Hubbard supplying drugs for Crow’s parties, forcing Julia Hubbard to have sex with Crow’s then-girlfriend in front of Crow (which was allegedly videotaped), forcing Kayla Goedinghaus to have sex in front of Crow, and trafficking other victims to Crow’s “Forced Sex Parties”.
Julia Hubbard allegedly told Trammell Crow directly that Richard Hubbard “was forcing her to perform sex acts and forcing her to take drugs to induce such acts,” but Crow purportedly had “grown to enjoy” the services and took no action to help or stop doing business with the Venture.
What Role Did Law Enforcement Play?
Texas Ranger Sergeant Cody Mitchell is accused of providing intimidation and threats to keep victims compliant, allegedly sending Richard Hubbard a sexually explicit photograph of himself in his police cruiser with a bottle of alcohol, which was shown to plaintiffs as a “threat that no one in law enforcement would believe her” if she reported the abuse.
The complaint alleges Mitchell introduced Richard Hubbard to the Adult Friend Finder website to locate other women for forced sex parties. Based on phone calls plaintiffs overheard, Richard Hubbard allegedly informed Mitchell of all aspects of the Venture, including that he was using Mitchell’s influence and threats to force plaintiffs into engaging in commercial sex acts.
What Is the Current Status of the Lawsuit?
On November 20, 2023, U.S. District Judge Fred Biery issued a 30-page order denying motions to dismiss filed by nine defendants including Trammell Crow Jr., Benjamin Eller, Cody Mitchell, and others. Judge Biery found that plaintiffs had sufficiently stated claims for sex trafficking, labor trafficking, and RICO violations.
The deadline to complete discovery was January 21, 2025. In December 2024, the court issued orders on motions to compel related to interrogatory responses and document production, indicating the case is actively proceeding through discovery.
Court records show the last known filing was November 5, 2025, with the case assigned to Judge Samuel Frederick Biery Jr. and referred to Magistrate Judge Elizabeth S. Chestney.
What Do the Defendants Say?
Kenneth Stone, one of Crow’s attorneys, stated: “The story shared by the Plaintiffs is upsetting and paints a picture of numerous troubled and broken domestic relationships. However, the account of events linking our client, and many others, to this story is both absurd and blatantly false”.
Defendants filed a motion to dismiss stating: “Plaintiffs’ attempt to leverage their long-running domestic quarrels into federal human trafficking and racketeering claims is a cynical attempt to extract financial gain from persons who were unfortunate enough to cross paths with them”.
Trammell Crow Jr. has denied all allegations of wrongdoing through his attorney, both in court filings and in statements to media outlets. Most defendants have denied the allegations, though some had not responded at the time of various media reports.
What Evidence Has Been Presented?
The amended complaint references specific allegations including videotaped sex acts, photographs, text message exchanges, financial transactions described as investments or business arrangements, prescriptions for controlled substances, and court filings where Dr. Eller allegedly falsely informed courts that Julia Hubbard was a danger to herself and her daughter.
According to a 2024 Cosmopolitan investigation, Julia Hubbard met Trammell Crow Jr. while working as a bottle girl at Plush nightclub in Dallas in summer 2009, they became friends and attended each other’s events, and she introduced him to her then-husband Richard Hubbard in late 2009.
The published account describes Crow as president of the philanthropic Crow Family Foundation and founder of Earth Day Dallas (now EarthX), with the lawsuit alleging he hosted wild gatherings at his properties that escalated into the alleged trafficking scheme.
How Did the Victims Escape?
Julia Hubbard’s escape came after she alleges defendant Michael Hynes Jr. “tied her to a bed and kept her restrained for three days, releasing her only to use the restroom” in late October or early November 2018. After three days of captivity, she was able to attract the attention of a construction worker who brought her a phone, allowing her to call for help.
Kayla Goedinghaus allegedly escaped from the Venture in January 2020. The two women filed their lawsuit nearly two years later in November 2022.
What Are the Legal Implications?
Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA): Section 1595(a) provides civil remedies allowing victims to sue perpetrators and anyone who knowingly benefits financially or by receiving value from participation in a trafficking venture, and may recover damages and attorneys’ fees.
RICO Violations: Plaintiffs assert they have standing under RICO because their damages include moneys earned for providing companionship at Forced Sex Parties and moneys earned at Silver City Cabaret that were confiscated, plus Julia Hubbard’s home was repossessed due to financial strain caused by the alleged Enterprise.
The court found plaintiffs sufficiently alleged a pattern of racketeering activity consisting of related predicate acts amounting to continued criminal activity, including coercion, human trafficking, dealing in controlled substances, and wire fraud.
Qualified Immunity Rejected: The court denied Texas Ranger Mitchell’s qualified immunity defense, finding it “cannot seriously be argued” that posing for or sharing the alleged sexually explicit photograph in a police cruiser was part of his official duties as a Texas Ranger.
What Do Legal Experts Say About the Case?
In his November 2023 order, Judge Biery acknowledged the harsh nature of the allegations, citing a Seventh Circuit case: “This opinion says harsh things about Defendants engaging in sex trafficking. Nonetheless, because of Defendants’ tactical choice to move to dismiss, we treat the allegations as true, though we do not vouch for their objective truth at this point in the case”.
The judge’s detailed analysis found the plaintiffs’ allegations met the legal standards for:
- Direct liability for sex trafficking under § 1591(a)(1)
- Financial beneficiary liability under § 1591(a)(2)
- Direct and beneficiary liability for labor trafficking under § 1589
- Association-in-fact enterprise sufficient for RICO claims
- Proximate causation and standing to pursue RICO damages
The court also rejected arguments that the claims against medical defendants were merely recast health care liability claims, finding: “Coercion, human trafficking, unlawful dealing in controlled substances and wire fraud are not necessary actions for providing healthcare services”.
What Are Similar Cases or Legal Precedents?
The Julia Hubbard case shares elements with other high-profile trafficking cases:
Ghislaine Maxwell/Jeffrey Epstein Case: Involved allegations of sex trafficking of minors, with wealthy defendants and a network of enablers. Maxwell was convicted in 2021 on federal sex trafficking charges.
NXIVM Case: Keith Raniere was convicted in 2019 of sex trafficking and racketeering, operating what prosecutors called a sex cult disguised as a self-help organization.
R. Kelly Case: The R&B singer was convicted in 2021 under the Mann Act and RICO statute for running a criminal enterprise that recruited women and girls for illegal sexual activity.
The Hubbard case is notable for directly implicating a billionaire philanthropist, licensed medical professionals, and an active law enforcement officer—a breadth of defendants across social strata that mirrors the hierarchical nature alleged in the NXIVM prosecution.
What Happens Next?
Based on court records and the discovery completion deadline, the case appears to be moving toward potential trial. Key upcoming developments may include:
Motions for Summary Judgment: After discovery closes, defendants typically file motions arguing no genuine dispute of material fact exists and they’re entitled to judgment as a matter of law.
Settlement Negotiations: Complex civil cases often settle before trial, though no settlement has been publicly reported.
Trial Preparation: If the case doesn’t settle, both sides would prepare for trial, including expert witnesses, exhibit preparation, and pre-trial motions.
Potential Criminal Referrals: While this is a civil lawsuit, the allegations involve federal criminal violations including sex trafficking under 18 U.S.C. § 1591, labor trafficking under 18 U.S.C. § 1589, and controlled substances violations, which could prompt separate criminal investigations.
Julia Hubbard has launched a GoFundMe campaign, stating the case is blocked from traditional legal financing due to a first-priority lien from a previous partner, and is seeking community support to fund legal costs to get the case to trial.
What Could Plaintiffs Recover If Successful?
Under federal trafficking laws, successful plaintiffs can recover:
- Compensatory damages for all injuries suffered
- Punitive damages to punish defendants and deter similar conduct
- Reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs
- Under RICO, treble (triple) damages for proven losses
Given the decade-long timeframe alleged, multiple defendants, and severity of allegations, potential damages could be substantial if plaintiffs prevail at trial.
How Does This Impact Similar Cases?
This lawsuit has garnered significant attention because:
Scope of Defendants: The case alleges involvement across professions—business executives, medical professionals, law enforcement—demonstrating how trafficking can involve seemingly respectable community members.
Financial Beneficiary Liability: The case tests the boundaries of who can be held liable under § 1591(a)(2) for knowingly benefiting from trafficking ventures.
RICO Application: The case demonstrates how civil RICO claims can be used alongside trafficking statutes to pursue damages from a broader network of participants.
Medical Professional Accountability: Allegations against licensed psychologists and physicians highlight potential criminal misuse of prescription authority in trafficking schemes.
Related Legal Resources
For more information on trafficking laws and recent developments, see:
- Human trafficking legal definitions and penalties
- RICO statute applications in civil cases
- Class action lawsuits and settlement processes
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Julia Hubbard lawsuit about?
The lawsuit alleges that Julia Hubbard and Kayla Goedinghaus were victims of sex trafficking, labor trafficking, and racketeering in a scheme allegedly run by Richard Hubbard with financial support from billionaire Trammell Crow Jr. and participation from dozens of other defendants from 2010 through 2018-2020.
Who is Julia Hubbard suing?
Julia Hubbard and co-plaintiff Kayla Goedinghaus are suing over 20 defendants including Trammell S. Crow Jr., psychologist Dr. Benjamin Todd Eller, Richard Hubbard, Texas Ranger Cody Mitchell, multiple medical doctors, business executives, and corporations.
When was the Julia Hubbard lawsuit filed?
The lawsuit was originally filed November 1, 2022, in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, then transferred to the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas on May 5, 2023.
What court is handling the Julia Hubbard case?
The case is being heard in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas, San Antonio Division, under case number SA-23-CV-00580-FB, before Judge Samuel Frederick Biery Jr. with Magistrate Judge Elizabeth S. Chestney.
What is the current status of the Julia Hubbard lawsuit?
As of November 2023, the court denied defendants’ motions to dismiss, allowing the case to proceed. The discovery deadline was January 21, 2025, and court activity continued through November 2025, indicating the case is actively moving toward potential trial.
What are the allegations against Trammell Crow Jr.?
Plaintiffs allege Crow provided tens of thousands of dollars in financial support to the trafficking operation, hosted “Forced Sex Parties” at his properties in Dallas and Marble Falls, Texas, directly participated in sex acts with trafficked victims, and knew plaintiffs were being forced to perform sex acts but took no action to help them.
What could happen next in the Julia Hubbard case?
The case could proceed to trial if no settlement is reached, with potential outcomes including jury verdicts on liability and damages, potential criminal referrals based on the evidence presented, or negotiated settlement between the parties. The case remains active with recent filings as of November 2025.
Disclaimer: This article provides factual information about the Julia Hubbard lawsuit based on publicly available court documents and news reports. It is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Case details are based on allegations and court filings, which may not represent final determinations. Defendants have denied the allegations and the case has not been decided on the merits. For legal advice regarding your specific situation, please consult with a qualified attorney.
About the Author
Sarah Klein, JD, is a licensed attorney and legal content strategist with over 12 years of experience across civil, criminal, family, and regulatory law. At All About Lawyer, she covers a wide range of legal topics — from high-profile lawsuits and courtroom stories to state traffic laws and everyday legal questions — all with a focus on accuracy, clarity, and public understanding.
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