Federal court documents allege that Fort Worth couple Christopher and Raquelle Judge ran Judge DFW LLC and convinced nearly 40 homeowners to pay almost $5 million for custom homes and renovations between August 2020 and January 2023. Prosecutors say the pair used social media, low bids and an initial $10,000 deposit to win contracts, performed minimal early work, then stopped communicating while projects remained incomplete. Court filings show substantial client funds were spent on personal expenses. Both have pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud; sentencing is scheduled for April 14 and May 12.
Inside the ‘Dream House’ Scam: How a Fort Worth Couple Allegedly Bilked Homeowners Out Of Nearly $5M
Chris And Raquelle Judge/InstagramChristopher and Raquelle Judge
Federal court records now outline how a Fort Worth couple, Christopher and Raquelle Judge, allegedly lured nearly 40 homeowners into paying almost $5 million for custom homes and renovations that were never completed.
Prosecutors say the Judges marketed their business, Judge DFW LLC, on social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, and relied on word of mouth in local communities. The couple offered low, below‑market bids and promised quick turnarounds — typically four to six months — to win contracts.
How the Alleged Scheme Worked
According to a criminal complaint filed by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Texas, the Judges presented themselves as a one‑stop shop for custom architecture, construction and interior design. Raquelle posted in local parenting Facebook groups such as “Alliance Working Moms” and “Moms of Southlake,” while Christopher was falsely represented as having architectural credentials.
“The defendants told relevant victims, often in emails or text messages, that they were a one‑stop shop for custom home building,” FBI Special Agent Michael Vizsolyi wrote in the complaint.
After a homeowner expressed interest, Raquelle typically requested a $10,000 deposit and contracts required multiple installment payments by wire transfer or check. Those funds were deposited into the couple’s Chase business account and, prosecutors say, frequently moved into other jointly held accounts.
Partial Work, Promises, Then Silence
Chris And Raquelle Judge/InstagramChristopher and Raquelle Judge
Prosecutors allege the couple sometimes performed minimal, early work to encourage continued payments, then began making excuses and promising fixes as projects stalled. Homeowners reported unfinished houses, unpaid subcontractors and missing materials such as windows and doors.
“He just walked off,” homeowner Kristin Newman told local station WFAA. “He just stopped talking to us. Never came back.” Lane Simmons said the Judges presented a polished, lifestyle‑driven pitch — “a Chip and Joanna Gaines type of vibe” — that helped win trust and business.
Where The Money Went
Rather than completing projects, court records show the couple spent client funds on personal expenses. Prosecutors cite roughly $27,000 on mortgage payments, about $82,000 in Amazon purchases and approximately $10,000 on cosmetic surgery, among other expenditures.
Guilty Pleas And Pending Sentences
Raquelle Judge pleaded guilty on Dec. 17 to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and faces a statutory maximum of five years in federal prison. Christopher Judge pleaded guilty on Dec. 30 to the same charge and faces up to 20 years. Their sentencing hearings are scheduled for April 14 and May 12.
This case underscores how polished social media marketing and below‑market pricing can be used to create trust — and how homeowners should verify credentials, demand written proof of subcontractor payments, and use escrow or staged releases tied to verified work completion when hiring builders.
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