Influencer Couple Admits Guilt in $5 Million Construction Fraud Scheme

Christopher and Raquelle Judge have admitted guilt to deceiving numerous clients out of almost $5 million through a home construction scheme.

Federal prosecutors detailed in a December 31, 2025, press release that the Texas couple “agreed to trick consumers by presenting themselves as offering custom architectural design, construction, and interior decorating services that they ultimately failed to complete” between August 2020 and January 2023.

The content creators also falsely portrayed Christopher as a licensed architect, according to the United States Attorney’s Office.

“Court documents show that the defendants defrauded over 40 victims living in six counties within the Northern District of Texas, involving at least 24 separate construction projects,” the press release stated. “The estimated financial loss totaled approximately $4.8 million.”

HGTV’s Biggest Breakout Stars: Chip and Joanna Gaines and More

Raquelle entered a guilty plea on December 17, 2025, to one count of conspiring to commit wire fraud, which could result in a maximum sentence of five years in federal prison.

Christopher, meanwhile, pleaded guilty on December 30, 2025, to conspiring to commit wire fraud. He is facing a potential sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison.

Raquelle’s sentencing is scheduled for April 14, while Christopher’s sentencing will take place on May 12. Both are also anticipated to face financial penalties, be required to provide restitution, and be subject to terms of supervised release.

Several Texas homeowners shared their experiences working with the Judges following their guilty pleas in a Texas courtroom.

“Raquelle handled much of the communication. Chris was presented as the architect and builder,” Kristin Newman told WFAA in an interview published January 2. “Initially, everything went smoothly. I didn’t encounter any issues.”

However, as construction progressed, Newman said she began to have concerns.

“We started raising questions. ‘Why hasn’t this been finished?’” she recalled. “Then it shifted to, ‘Why are you overcharging for this?’ At one point, I paid too much for something. I asked, ‘Can I get that money back? Because it hasn’t been done, and that’s part of this other payment.’ And he responded, ‘I don’t have it anymore.’”

Stars Who’ve Moved to Tennessee: Melissa Joan Hart, Steven Tyler and More

At one point, Newman claimed Chris “simply stopped communicating with us, never returning.”

Lane Simmons and his wife also described their experience in a separate interview with the local news station.

“They came to our house … and really positioned themselves as a Chip and Joanna Gaines type of couple,” Simmons claimed. “My house — everything they did is flawed. Within weeks, my tile began to crack. My floors cracked. My kitchen floor started to sink. The exterior trim looked poorly done. All the framing had to be torn out and rebuilt. My staircase had to be removed and reconstructed. It was riddled with code violations.”

Influencers Sami Clarke, JT Barnett List Home for $1.39 Million After Split

The Judges’ most recent Instagram post dates back to May 2021, when they documented a trip to Panama City Beach, Florida. “What are your favorite places to visit?” the couple inquired via social media at the time. “Really needing some sunshine! . . . . .”

On their YouTube page, the Judges previously shared a video in September 2020 explaining the advantages of building a new home.

“You get to move in knowing you don’t have to make any repairs,” Christopher stated while giving a house tour. “Thank you all for following along with us today. Please reach out to us when you’re ready to begin your new construction project.”