The Original ‘Mighty Morphin Power Rangers’ Cast Reunites for The First Time Since 1995
Power Rangers’ Star Austin St. John Arrested for Government Pandemic Loan Fraud
Austin St. John, who portrayed the red Power Ranger from 1993 to 1995, has been charged alongside others in a scheme to defraud the United States government of CARES Act funds.
The Department of Justice alleges that St. John was one of 18 individuals charged with submitting fraudulent application forms for Paycheck Protection Program loans. The money was then allegedly redistributed to the scheme’s masterminds.
St. John, whose real name is Jason Geiger, is accused of obtaining over $400,000 in fraudulent PPP loans. According to the DOJ, he could face a maximum of twenty years in prison.
The Department of Justice identified Michael Hill and Andrew Moran as the alleged masterminds of the scheme.
“Hill is alleged to have recruited co-conspirators to use an existing business or create a business to submit applications to obtain PPP funding,” according to a Justice Department press release. “Once enlisted, Moran is alleged to have assisted his co-conspirators with the application paperwork, including fabricating supporting documentation and submitting the application through the online portals.”
Defendants are accused of obtaining a total of $3.5 million from the government.
The attorney for St. John stated in a statement that he pled not guilty.
“An indictment is not evidence of guilt,” David Klaudt a lawyer representing St. John said. “All defendants are presumed innocent and Mr. St. John intends to vigorously defend himself against this allegation.”
