Texas couple labeled fake ‘Chip and Joanna Gaines’ admits $5M dream home renovation scam
Christopher and Raquelle Judge, a Texas couple who branded themselves as a 'Chip and Joanna Gaines type of vibe,' have admitted to defrauding over 40 homeowners out of nearly $5 million through their renovation business, Judge DFW LLC. They pleaded guilty to wire fraud conspiracy charges in late 2025 and are awaiting sentencing in spring 2026, facing potential prison time and restitution.
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January 2026 — 4 developments
Christopher and Raquelle Judge defrauded over 40 individuals across six North Texas counties, involving at least 24 construction projects.
Christopher and Raquelle Judge defrauded over 40 individuals across six North Texas counties, involving at least 24 construction projects.
Christopher Judge reportedly had 424 citations for code enforcement violations.
Christopher Judge reportedly had 424 citations for code enforcement violations.
Christopher and Raquelle Judge allegedly spent the nearly $5 million defrauded from homeowners on pe…
Christopher and Raquelle Judge allegedly spent the nearly $5 million defrauded from homeowners on personal expenses, including mortgage payments, living expenses, and plastic surgery. This new detail sheds light on the use of the illicit funds.
Victims of the scam begin sharing their stories publicly, detailing significant financial losses and…
Victims of the scam begin sharing their stories publicly, detailing significant financial losses and emotional distress caused by the Judges' uncompleted projects and fraudulent activities.
December 2025 — 2 developments
Christopher Judge pleads guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, a more severe charge with a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison.
Christopher Judge pleads guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, a more severe charge with a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison.
Raquelle Judge pleads guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, a charge that carries a maximum sentence of five years in federal prison.
Raquelle Judge pleads guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, a charge that carries a maximum sentence of five years in federal prison.
January 2023 — 1 developments
The Judges' fraudulent scheme concludes, having defrauded over 40 victims across six North Texas counties out of approximately $4.
The Judges' fraudulent scheme concludes, having defrauded over 40 victims across six North Texas counties out of approximately $4.8 million.
January 2022 — 1 developments
The Texas Board of Architectural Examiners warns Christopher Judge for violating administrative code…
The Texas Board of Architectural Examiners warns Christopher Judge for violating administrative code by referring to himself as an architect, a warning he reportedly ignored as the scam continued.
August 2020 — 1 developments
Christopher and Raquelle Judge begin their home renovation scam through their company, Judge DFW LLC…
Christopher and Raquelle Judge begin their home renovation scam through their company, Judge DFW LLC, luring customers with promises of custom homes and renovations, often at below-market bids, and falsely claiming Christopher was a licensed architect. The scheme continued until January 2023.