At a Glance
- Nearly four dozen North Texans lost $5.4 million to a pair of fraudsters.
- The couple, Christopher Judge and Raquelle Judge, promised unfinished construction on 24 properties.
- They face up to 20 years and 5 years in federal prison respectively.
- Why it matters: Victims may never recover their money, and the case highlights widespread contractor fraud in North Texas.
The story began in early 2021 when a Fort Worth couple offered to renovate a childhood home in Euless for a lower bid. The family, including Kalie Simmons, Chelle Bish, and Mike Bish, paid nearly $200 k and found only half the work done. Federal investigators later uncovered that the Judges had defrauded more than 40 victims across 24 properties.
The Fraudulent Scheme
The Judges promised full crews, stripped-down work, and code-compliant finishes. The first day was impressive, with a crew ready to strip down to studs.
Chelle Bish stated:
> “That first day was so impressive. They came in with a full crew. They had it stripped down to the studs that first day.”
However, after a month or two, progress slowed and quality issues emerged.
Kalie Simmons said:
> “And then I would say, a month, maybe two months in, things started slowing down quite a bit and we were already worried about some quality stuff that my husband and dad had pointed out.”
- $200 k paid, only half the work finished.
- An independent inspector found decks and stairwell not up to code.
- The Judges spent $5 million in total, with $82 k on Amazon, $27 k on mortgage payments, and $10 k on plastic surgery.
Victim Stories
Kristin Newman hired the Judges in 2021 to build a home in Cleburne. The project stalled after framing and a roof were installed.
Kristin Newman said:
> “Ultimately, they only got to framing and putting a roof on the house.”
After spending about $200 k, she terminated the contract and paid another $200 k to finish the job. She eventually had to sell and move with her parents.
Jeremy Congleton’s family lived in an RV for 18 months while he finished the project alone. He claims the Judges owed him about $250 k in unpaid work and credit-card debt, leading to bankruptcy.
Jeremy Congleton said:
> “What he owes me and what we’ve paid out of pocket and credit card debt, having to file bankruptcy, about $250 k.”
Legal Consequences
Federal prosecutors say the Judges defrauded more than 40 victims across 24 properties in North Texas. They face up to 20 years for Christopher and 5 years for Raquelle.
Mike Bish said:
> “At least they’re going to have to serve some time, think about what they’ve done to all these folks, and they can’t do it anymore.”
Key Takeaways
- $5.4 million lost by nearly 48 victims.
- The Judges promised construction but delivered incomplete work.
- Both faces federal prison sentences, highlighting the seriousness of contractor fraud.
With sentencing pending, victims hope justice will finally close the chapter on this widespread scam.
