Fort Worth Couple Pleads Guilty to $5 Million Construction Fraud

A Deceptive Promise of Dream Homes

More than 40 Texas families thought they had found the perfect contractors to build their dream homes. Christopher Judge and his wife, Raquelle, of Fort Worth, were managing members of Judge DFW, a company that advertised custom architecture, construction and interior design services . But what appeared to be a legitimate business was actually an elaborate fraud scheme that would leave dozens of homeowners with partially demolished properties, unfinished renovations and significant financial losses .

The couple admitted that from August 2020 to January 2023, they conspired to defraud consumers by having Christopher Judge falsely represent himself as a licensed architect . They lured customers by offering below-market bids and then collected multiple installment payments once construction began, even as little or no work was completed .

More than 40 victims in the Northern District of Texas were defrauded across at least 24 construction projects, resulting in an estimated $4.8 million in losses . The scheme spanned six North Texas counties, leaving a trail of broken promises and unfinished projects.

The Mechanics of Deception

The Judges operated their fraud with calculated precision. Victims received below-market bids from Judge DFW and signed design-and-build contracts for the work. The defendants started construction projects and accepted multiple installment payments from victims, but never finished those projects .

Perhaps most damaging was how they handled the money. Court records show that the defendants commingled victims' installment payments in the primary Judge DFW operating account, frequently using individual victim installment payments for unrelated construction projects . Customer funds were often diverted instead of being used for labor, materials or permits .

The impact on victims was devastating. Many homeowners were forced to seek new contractors or abandon their projects entirely, often after already investing significant sums into what they believed would be their completed homes.

Justice and Consequences

Christopher Judge pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and now faces up to 20 years in federal prison. Raquelle Judge pleaded guilty on Dec. 17 and faces five years in prison . Both defendants are expected to face monetary penalties, restitution and supervised release. Sentencing hearings are scheduled for April 2026 for Christopher Judge and May 2026 for Raquelle Judge .

The investigation was conducted by the FBI's Fort Worth Resident Agency and the Euless Police Department, with assistance from the U.S. Secret Service Task Force . The case demonstrates the serious federal consequences that await those who exploit homeowners' trust and dreams.

Protecting Future Homeowners

This case serves as a stark reminder for anyone considering major construction projects. The Judges' ability to operate for nearly three years highlights the importance of thoroughly vetting contractors before signing contracts or making payments.

Homeowners should verify licensing credentials independently, avoid contractors who demand large upfront payments, and be wary of bids that seem too good to be true. The financial and emotional toll on the 40+ families affected by this scheme underscores why due diligence in contractor selection isn't just smart—it's essential protection against those who would exploit one of life's most significant investments.