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
Ecuador and Germany fans ignite Times Square battle of the bands ahead of match-up

Ecuador and Germany Fans Turn Times Square Into Battle of the Bands Ahead of Match

Soccer supporters decked out for Ecuador and Germany packed into Times Square…
Body believed to be Kansas City highway shooting suspect found in flooded basement more than a week after police standoff

Body Believed to Be Kansas City Highway Shooting Suspect Found in Flooded Basement Days After Standoff

Kansas City authorities say they believe the suspected gunman in a deadly…
President Donald Trump holds tense meeting with Senate Republicans after calling off signing ceremony for housing bill

Trump Faces Senate Republicans in Tense Showdown After Canceling Housing Bill Signing

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump sharply criticized Senate Republicans during a Wednesday…
Chemours to pay $450 million in first federal settlement over PFAS

Chemours Agrees to $450 Million in First Federal PFAS Settlement

Chemours has agreed to pay $450 million to resolve federal and state…
Nancy Guthrie ransom notes don't match suspect's behavior, profiler says: 'I don't believe they're real'

Profiler Questions Nancy Guthrie Ransom Notes, Says Suspect’s Behavior Doesn’t Add Up

A longtime criminal profiler says the purported ransom messages linked to Nancy…
Manhunt underway for Kansas City shooting spree suspect near World Cup venue; FBI offering $25K reward

Family Finds Body Believed to Be Kansas City Highway Shooting Suspect in Burned Home’s Basement, Police Say

Manhunt for Kansas City shooting suspect enters seventh day A weeklong search…
Three Wendy's employees allegedly took food from trash, spat on it before serving unhappy customer

Three Wendy’s Employees Accused of Serving Customer Food Taken From Trash and Spat On

Three Wendy’s employees in South Carolina have been arrested after authorities say…
Alex Murdaugh's lawyers withdraw request for civilian clothes, accuse prosecutors of creating a 'spectacle'

Alex Murdaugh’s Attorneys Drop Civilian Clothes Request, Accuse Prosecutors of Creating a Spectacle

Attorneys for Alex Murdaugh argue that prosecutors are attempting to make his…
Woman who plunged 120 feet on Washington mountain rescued by helicopter

Woman Survives 120-Foot Fall on Washington Mountain, Rescued by Helicopter

A 33-year-old woman who tumbled more than 100 feet down a mountain…
Harvey Weinstein avoids fourth New York trial over alleged actress rape

Harvey Weinstein Avoids Fourth New York Trial in Actress Rape Allegation

Harvey Weinstein will not be tried again on allegations that he raped…
LA County addresses leaked list of Hollywood megastars dragged into baffling voting debacle

LA County Responds to Leaked List of Hollywood Stars Caught Up in Voting Controversy

Los Angeles County election officials have addressed claims that a number of…
The 17-year-old who said he designed the US flag

How a 17-Year-Old Student Helped Design the Modern American Flag

Who really created the American flag? Was it Betsy Ross? Or is…