Fort Worth, Texas, January 1, 2026
Christopher and Raquelle Judge, owners of Judge DFW LLC, have pleaded guilty to a federal wire fraud conspiracy, defrauding over 40 Texas homeowners out of nearly $4.8 million. They accepted payments for custom homebuilding projects that were never completed, leaving multiple homes unfinished across North Texas. The couple misrepresented their qualifications and mismanaged funds, impacting many families. Sentencing is pending for both individuals.
Fort Worth Couple Pleads Guilty to $4.8 Million Fraud Scheme Affecting Over 40 Texas Homeowners
Fort Worth, Texas – Christopher and Raquelle Judge, former owners of Judge DFW LLC, have pleaded guilty to a federal wire fraud conspiracy charge after defrauding more than 40 Texas homeowners out of approximately $4.8 million. The couple accepted payments for custom homebuilding and remodeling projects that were never completed, leaving numerous homes unfinished across six North Texas counties.
Details of the Fraudulent Activities
Between August 2020 and January 2023, the Judges operated Judge DFW LLC, offering custom architecture, construction, and interior design services. They provided below-market bids to customers, initiated work, and accepted payments but failed to complete the projects. Additionally, they falsely claimed that Christopher Judge was a licensed architect. The couple commingled funds from various projects, using payments from one client to pay for another’s work, further complicating the financial trail. As a result, victims were left with incomplete homes and significant financial losses.
Legal Proceedings and Potential Sentences
Christopher Judge pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and faces up to 20 years in federal prison. Raquelle Judge pleaded guilty earlier in December to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, which subjects her to as many as five years in federal prison. Sentencing is scheduled for April for Raquelle Judge and in May for Christopher Judge. The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Fort Worth Resident Agency and the Euless Police Department conducted the investigation, with assistance from the U.S. Secret Service Task Force.
Background on Judge DFW LLC
Judge DFW LLC was a homebuilding and remodeling company based in Fort Worth, Texas. The company offered a range of services, including custom architecture, construction, and interior design. Despite the extensive services advertised, the company failed to deliver completed projects, leading to significant financial and emotional distress for the affected homeowners.
Impact on the Community
The fraudulent activities of the Judges have had a profound impact on the local community. Homeowners who trusted the company with their investments are now left with unfinished homes and financial burdens. The case highlights the importance of due diligence when selecting contractors and the need for robust consumer protection measures in the homebuilding industry.
Related Cases of Construction Fraud in Texas
This case is part of a broader pattern of construction fraud in Texas. In 2011, Robert Bruce Keaffaber, a homebuilder from Granbury, Texas, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit mail fraud. He and others caused mortgage loan documents to overstate the actual purchase price and the amount of loan funds that buyers needed to pay for certain properties. Keaffaber faces up to 20 years in federal prison.
Consumer Protection Measures
In response to such fraudulent activities, authorities emphasize the importance of consumers conducting thorough research before hiring contractors. Homeowners are advised to verify licenses, check references, and review contracts carefully. Additionally, reporting suspicious activities to local authorities can help prevent further fraudulent schemes.
Conclusion
The guilty pleas of Christopher and Raquelle Judge serve as a reminder of the potential risks in the homebuilding industry. Homeowners are encouraged to remain vigilant and informed to protect themselves from similar fraudulent schemes in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What were Christopher and Raquelle Judge convicted of?
Christopher and Raquelle Judge pleaded guilty to a federal wire fraud conspiracy charge after defrauding more than 40 Texas homeowners out of approximately $4.8 million. They accepted payments for custom homebuilding and remodeling projects that were never completed, leaving numerous homes unfinished across six North Texas counties.
What services did Judge DFW LLC offer?
Judge DFW LLC offered custom architecture, construction, and interior design services. Despite advertising these services, the company failed to deliver completed projects, leading to significant financial and emotional distress for the affected homeowners.
What are the potential sentences for the Judges?
Christopher Judge faces up to 20 years in federal prison, while Raquelle Judge faces as many as five years in federal prison. Sentencing is scheduled for April for Raquelle Judge and in May for Christopher Judge.
How can consumers protect themselves from similar fraud schemes?
Consumers are advised to conduct thorough research before hiring contractors, including verifying licenses, checking references, and reviewing contracts carefully. Reporting suspicious activities to local authorities can also help prevent further fraudulent schemes.
Are there other similar cases in Texas?
Yes, in 2011, Robert Bruce Keaffaber, a homebuilder from Granbury, Texas, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit mail fraud. He and others caused mortgage loan documents to overstate the actual purchase price and the amount of loan funds that buyers needed to pay for certain properties. Keaffaber faces up to 20 years in federal prison.
Key Features of the Case
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Defendants | Christopher and Raquelle Judge |
| Company Involved | Judge DFW LLC |
| Fraud Amount | Approximately $4.8 million |
| Number of Victims | Over 40 homeowners |
| Services Offered | Custom architecture, construction, and interior design |
| Investigation Agencies | FBI’s Fort Worth Resident Agency, Euless Police Department, U.S. Secret Service Task Force |
| Potential Sentences | Up to 20 years for Christopher Judge; up to 5 years for Raquelle Judge |
| Sentencing Dates | April for Raquelle Judge; May for Christopher Judge |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Author: STAFF HERE DALLAS WRITER
The DALLAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDallas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Dallas, Dallas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the State Fair of Texas, Deep Ellum Arts Festival, and Dallas International Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Dallas Regional Chamber and United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, aviation, and semiconductors that power the local economy such as AT&T, Southwest Airlines, and Texas Instruments. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
