DALLAS, TEXAS — Christopher and Raquelle Judge, a married couple posing as home contractors, have pleaded guilty to orchestrating a fraud scheme that cost dozens of clients nearly $5 million. The pair admitted to leaving families with unsafe, unfinished homes while using client funds for personal luxuries.
"Chip and Joanna" Persona Lured Victims
Christopher Judge, falsely claiming to be a licensed architect, and his wife Raquelle targeted approximately 40 clients between 2020 and 2023.
Lane Simmons, one of the victims, told reporters the couple won him over with an eager presentation and a bid that was significantly lower than competitors. However, the work performed was riddled with code violations, including cracking floors and unstable staircases.
Funds Spent on Plastic Surgery
Federal records reveal that instead of completing the contracted work, the Judges misappropriated approximately $865,000 of company funds. Expenses included $82,000 on Amazon purchases and $10,000 on plastic surgery.
The Judges left multiple homes unfinished and misappropriated company funds for personal expenses, including $10,000 on plastic surgery and $82,000 on Amazon purchases.
Another victim, Kristin Newman, paid the couple $200,000 for a new build, only for Christopher to disappear when she questioned delays and overcharges. She was forced to pay an additional $200,000 to new contractors to fix the faulty construction.
Guilty Pleas and Sentencing
Raquelle Judge pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud on December 17 and faces up to five years in federal prison.
Christopher faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. Sentencing hearings are scheduled for April and May of this year.
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