Home / Crime and Justice / Texas Couple Dupes Homeowners Out of $5M
Texas Couple Dupes Homeowners Out of $5M
18 Jan
Summary
- Couple used social media to defraud homeowners of nearly $5 million.
- They targeted dozens of victims across six Texas counties.
- Couple spent funds on personal expenses, including mortgage and plastic surgery.
Christopher and Raquelle Judge, a married couple from Fort Worth, Texas, have admitted to a federal scheme that defrauded homeowners of nearly $5 million. Between August 2020 and January 2023, the couple operated Judge DFW LLC, advertising custom home renovation services on social media and falsely claiming Christopher was an experienced architect. They lured clients with low bids, but often left projects unfinished.
The scheme impacted over 40 victims across six Texas counties, with at least 24 construction projects left incomplete. Plea documents indicate victims lost approximately $4.8 million, with some families facing bankruptcy and significant personal loss. The Judges commingled client payments in their business account, diverting funds for personal use, including mortgage payments and plastic surgery.
Christopher Judge pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, facing up to 20 years in prison, while Raquelle Judge pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, with a maximum sentence of five years. They are scheduled for sentencing later this year.
