By Trendsetter Tribune 
Federal prosecutors say a North Texas couple admitted to running a home-construction scheme that left dozens of families with unfinished or unlivable homes and millions of dollars in losses.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Texas, Christopher and Raquelle Judge collected installment payments for custom architecture, construction and interior design services, often offering below-market bids, but then failed to complete the jobs.
Prosecutors said the couple “started construction projects and accepted multiple installment payments from victims but never completed those projects,” in some cases leaving families without a livable residence.
More than 40 victims identified, court records say
Plea documents reviewed by PEOPLE state that more than 40 victims across six North Texas counties were affected across at least 24 projects, with losses estimated at roughly $4.8 million. One couple alone reportedly paid nearly $364,000.
As part of the scheme, prosecutors said Christopher Judge falsely claimed to be a licensed architect, while the couple allegedly pooled client payments into one account and used funds from one project to pay for others.
Guilty pleas entered
Court filings show:
- Dec. 17, 2025: Raquelle Judge pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud. She faces up to five years in federal prison.
- Dec. 30, 2025: Christopher Judge pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, carrying a maximum of 20 years.
Both face restitution, fines and supervised release. Sentencing is scheduled for April 14, 2026 (Raquelle) and May 12, 2026 (Christopher), before U.S. District Judge Terry R. Means.
Legal representatives for the couple were contacted for comment, according to PEOPLE.
Homeowners describe financial and emotional strain
Several homeowners told local outlets that projects initially appeared legitimate, with work crews arriving and progress underway, before delays, poor workmanship and communication problems set in.
Victim Kristin Newman told WFAA she believed she was building her “dream home” after paying off her student loans. She said that after delays mounted and paid-for materials failed to arrive, she asked for refunds but was told the money was gone.
“He just stopped talking to us. Never came back,” Newman said, according to WFAA.
Lane and Kalie Simmons shared a similar experience. They told WFAA the couple presented themselves as a “Chip and Joanna Gaines-type” team, but later work slowed and concerns about quality grew. An inspector who later assessed the property reportedly found numerous code issues, requiring major reconstruction.
Court documents outline alleged spending
Federal court filings describe what prosecutors called a “pattern of conduct,” alleging the Judges collected installment payments, failed to complete work, left unpaid subcontractors, and performed substandard construction.
When questioned about delays, prosecutors said Christopher frequently offered explanations and urged clients to continue paying. Court filings allege the couple used hundreds of thousands of dollars on personal expenses, including mortgage payments, online purchases and cosmetic procedures.
These details reflect prosecutors’ claims made in court records and have not yet been adjudicated at sentencing.
Heavy financial fallout for families
Some victims described severe hardships:
- Newman told NBC-DFW she spent about $200,000 more to finish and repair her home.
- Another homeowner, Jeremy Congleton, said he declared bankruptcy and lived in an RV with his family for 18 months while completing work himself.
Many told NBC-DFW they do not expect to recover most of their losses but expressed relief that the couple will not be taking on new clients.
Lane Simmons said he hopes the case encourages homeowners to be cautious.
“If somebody’s cheap, it’s probably for a reason,” he said.
The case remains pending sentencing, and restitution amounts will be determined by the court.