Home / Crime and Justice / Texas Couple Posed as Gaines-Style Builders, Scammed Clients Out of Millions
Texas Couple Posed as Gaines-Style Builders, Scammed Clients Out of Millions
2 Jan
Summary
- Couple defrauded over 40 customers of approximately $4.8 million.
- Funds were used for personal luxury items, including a $613,000 home.
- Christopher faces up to 20 years, Raquelle up to five years in prison.
Christopher and Raquelle Judge, a Texas couple, have pleaded guilty to defrauding more than 40 clients out of approximately $4.8 million. They marketed themselves as custom homebuilders, promising dream homes but instead pocketing client payments between August 2020 and January 2023. The Judges funneled these funds into personal expenses, including over $96,000 for their own $613,000 home, legal fees, and luxury items.
Operating under the name Judge DFW, Christopher falsely advertised his architectural and construction services online. He offered below-market bids and assured quick completion times. After securing payments, the couple would perform minimal, often substandard work and hire subcontractors they did not pay, all to induce further payments. This scheme left numerous customers without completed homes.
Christopher Judge, 35, faces up to 20 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to wire fraud conspiracy. Raquelle Judge, 36, pleaded guilty earlier and faces a maximum of five years. The Texas Board of Architecture had issued Christopher a formal warning in May 2022 for misrepresenting his profession, but the fraudulent activities continued until January 2023. Sentencing for Christopher is scheduled for May 12, and for Raquelle on April 14.
