North Texas Families Stranded in Half-Constructed Homes After Fraud Conviction
The Unfulfilled Dreams of North Texas Homeowners
Dozens of families in North Texas found their dreams of owning a custom-built home shattered after a Fort Worth couple collected millions of dollars for renovations and construction projects that were never completed. What was supposed to be a dream come true turned into a nightmare for about 40 victims who paid for work that was promised but never delivered.
A Couple Accused of Financial Deception
According to court records, Christopher and Raquelle Judge, the owners of Judge DFW LLC, presented themselves as experts in custom homes, renovations, and interior design. However, investigators allege that the couple knowingly took payments from clients without any intention of finishing the work.
Joe Tolbert, a Fort Worth attorney specializing in construction law, explained the difference between poor business practices and criminal fraud. "Criminal is when they spend it on a lavish lifestyle, which we see a lot, personal expenses, which that's criminal," he said. "It's a complete shame...a customer needs to know what's happening on their house, what's happening with their money."
Social Media as a Tool for Luring Victims
Prosecutors claim that the Judges used social media to attract clients by offering low bids and promising quick turnaround times. One couple in Decatur reportedly paid as much as $364,000 for services that were never fulfilled. In total, investigators say losses reached approximately $4.8 million across at least 24 projects.
"It appears they were just pocketing the money and not doing anything with it," Tolbert added.
Money Used for Personal Expenses
Records indicate that some of the money was spent on personal expenses, including rent, mortgages, tuition, luxury items, and even plastic surgery. This behavior further supports the allegations of financial misconduct.
In May 2022, the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners issued a warning to Christopher Judge and his company, stating that he violated the Texas Administrative Code by referring to himself as a licensed architect when he was not.
Experts Warn Homeowners to Verify Credentials
For homeowners planning major construction projects, experts emphasize the importance of verifying a builder's credentials, licenses, and references before signing a contract. This case serves as a cautionary tale for anyone considering hiring a contractor.
Legal Consequences for the Couple
Earlier this week, Christopher Judge pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and faces up to 20 years in federal prison. His wife, Raquelle Judge, also pleaded guilty in mid-December.
Attempts to reach Christopher Judge and his attorney for comment were unsuccessful.
Lessons Learned from the Case
This case highlights the risks involved in hiring unverified contractors and the need for due diligence. Homeowners should always conduct thorough research and ensure that the professionals they hire are properly licensed and have a proven track record.
Steps Homeowners Can Take
- Verify Licenses: Check with local licensing boards to confirm that the contractor is properly licensed.
- Check References: Ask for references and contact previous clients to get an idea of the contractor's reliability.
- Review Contracts Carefully: Ensure that all terms and conditions are clearly outlined in the contract.
- Use Escrow Services: Consider using an escrow service to hold payments until the work is completed to satisfaction.
- Stay Informed: Keep regular communication with the contractor and monitor the progress of the project.
By taking these steps, homeowners can reduce the risk of falling victim to similar scams and protect their investments.
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