> At a Glance
> – Fort Worth duo Christopher and Raquelle Judge pleaded guilty to wire-fraud conspiracy after admitting they took $4.8 million from nearly 40 homeowners.
> – They lured clients with below-market bids, demanded installment payments, then vanished-leaving houses half-built.
> – Prosecutors say the pair funneled cash into personal spending: $82k on Amazon, $27k on their mortgage, $10k on plastic surgery.
> – Why it matters: The case spotlights how social-media marketing can be weaponized to sell construction scams, leaving families emotionally and financially devastated.
A Texas husband-and-wife team built their business on Instagram-perfect promises, but instead of dream homes they delivered empty lots and unfinished frames. Court records show how the Judges turned Facebook mom groups and glossy TikTok clips into a hunting ground for homeowners eager for affordable custom builds.
The Pitch: “Chip-and-Joanna” Vibe at Discount Prices
Raquelle posted in local Facebook groups like “Alliance Working Moms,” praising the couple as a one-stop design-build shop. Once a prospect bit, Christopher submitted bids 20-30 percent under market and promised move-in within six months.
- Required a $10,000 deposit up front
- Staged contracts with multiple wire-transfer installments
- Showed just enough drywall or flooring to keep payments flowing
When delays surfaced, the couple texted reassurances while demanding the next check.
Where the Money Really Went
Homeowners’ installments landed in the Judges’ Chase business account-then detoured to personal pockets:
| Category | Amount Spent |
|---|---|
| Amazon purchases | $82,000 |
| Mortgage payments | $27,000 |
| Plastic surgery | $10,000 |
Meanwhile subcontractors walked off unpaid, windows never arrived, and foundations sat exposed to rain.
Client Kristin Newman told WFAA:
> “He just stopped talking to us. Never came back.”
Guilty Pleas and Pending Sentences
- Raquelle Judge pleaded guilty December 17 and faces up to five years in federal prison.
- Christopher Judge pleaded guilty December 30 and faces up to twenty years.
Sentencing is set for April 14 and May 12, respectively.
Key Takeaways
- Social-media referrals can be as risky as anonymous online ads-verify licensing and bond status before paying deposits.
- Below-market bids that demand large upfront cash installments are a red flag in any construction deal.
- Federal wire-fraud charges carry heavy penalties, but recovery of lost savings for victims is never guaranteed.
As restitution proceedings begin, families are learning that glamorous feeds can camouflage financial ruin.
