Christopher, Raquelle Judge: Texas influencer couple pleads guilty to nearly $5M swindle in home renovation scams

An influencer couple from Texas has admitted to defrauding over 40 individuals out of $5 million through deceitful home renovation schemes.

Chris and Raquelle Judge, who are well-known for their social media presence, promised clients top-notch home remodels but failed to deliver.

Although Chris Judge presented himself as an architect, prosecutors revealed that he lacked the credentials for such a title.

One of their victims, Kristen Newman, recounted her disappointing experience after hiring the couple to construct her dream home.

“He just disappeared, stopped communicating with us, and it turned into a nightmare,” Newman shared.

Authorities have reported that the couple lured clients with claims of custom architecture, construction, and interior design services at prices below the market average.

Christopher and Raquelle Judge pleaded guilty to conning dozens of clients.
Christopher and Raquelle Judge pleaded guilty to conning dozens of clients.

“This isn’t just a bad business decision,” Newman said. “He chose to lie, he chose to steal.”

Lane Simmons and his wife said they paid them about $200,000 to remodel their home.

“They really pitched themselves as this ‘Chip and Joanna Gaines’ type of vibe,” Simmons said. “My house, everything they did was wrong. We had a family friend come over who’s also a contractor to look at everything and he’s like ‘a lot of this is unsafe; it’s like the worst job I’ve probably ever seen.’”

Prosecutors say the guilty couple used some of their nearly $5 million swindle on personal mortgage payments and plastic surgery.

Christopher Judge faces up to 20 years in prison.

Copyright © 2026 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

You May Also Like

Florida man who allegedly lured women with dating app could have more victims: authorities

Florida Man Accused of Luring Women Through Dating App May Have More Victims, Authorities Say

Palm Beach County investigators are urging women to contact authorities if they…
Retired LAPD detective says Scott Peterson deserves a new trial, claims police overlooked critical witnesses

Retired LAPD Detective Backs Scott Peterson New Trial, Says Key Witnesses Were Ignored

Jon Buehler defends Scott Peterson murder conviction amid new evidence claims Retired…
Kai Trump reveals what she's giving her grandfather Donald Trump for his 80th birthday

Kai Trump Reveals Her Special 80th Birthday Gift for Grandfather Donald Trump

Kai Trump’s birthday present for her grandfather is right in his wheelhouse.…
Alabama attorney allegedly tried to poison stroke-survivor husband multiple times

Alabama Lawyer Accused of Multiple Attempts to Poison Husband

A former Alabama attorney already facing attempted murder charges involving her disabled…
Trump UFO advisors propose new explanations for glowing orbs

Trump UFO Advisors Offer New Theories on Mysterious Glowing Orbs

Science advisers working with the Trump administration are pointing to more familiar…
RedState Sports Report: LeBron James, Pick a New Team Already

LeBron James’ Next Move: Why the Lakers Star Needs to Pick a Team Now

Checking in from the sports desk, tucked somewhere beneath the main deck…
Supporters of St. Sabina's Father Michael Pfleger call for changes to Chicago Archdiocese sexual misconduct investigation process

Father Michael Pfleger Supporters Demand Chicago Archdiocese Reform Sexual Misconduct Investigations

CHICAGO () — Supporters of Father Michael Pfleger are urging the Archdiocese…
Paul Pelosi crash: Husband of Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi facing hit and run charge in Yountville in Napa County, California

Paul Pelosi, Husband of Nancy Pelosi, Charged With Misdemeanor Hit-and-Run After Parked Car Collision

LOS ANGELES — Paul Pelosi, the husband of former House Speaker Nancy…
NHL news: Chicago Blackhawks hockey forward Connor Bedard to miss start of season after shoulder surgery, with 4-month recovery

Chicago Blackhawks Star Connor Bedard Agrees to 5-Year, $75 Million Contract Extension

CHICAGO — The Chicago Blackhawks have locked in the face of their…
California man admits targeting 3 Subway restaurants for robberies in less than a week, FBI says

California Man Admits Robbing 3 Subway Stores in Week, FBI Says

A Southern California man admitted Friday that he carried out a series…
Social media influencers Andrew and Tristan Tate arrested in Miami, US Marshals Service says

Andrew and Tristan Tate Arrested in Miami, US Marshals Service Says

Andrew and Tristan Tate, the influencer brothers whose online brand built around…
Video captures the tense moment group of Alaskan hikers come face-to-face with a grizzly bear on a trail

Video Shows Alaskan Hikers’ Tense Encounter With Grizzly Bear on Trail

What began as a scenic hike in Alaska quickly became a frightening…