+34
An actor from North Texas best known for his role as the Red Power Ranger in the iconic 1990s TV show was among 18 people indicted Thursday in a federal Paycheck Protection Program fraud case.
OAKS, PA - APRIL 04: Red Power Ranger Austin St. John attends the 2015 Great Philadelphia Comic Con at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center on April 4, 2015 in Oaks, Pennsylvania. The North Texas man who once played the Red Power Ranger on the iconic 1990s television show was among 18 people arrested in a federal Paycheck Protection Program fraud case.
Jason Geiger, who goes by the name Austin St. John, was one of 18 people indicted Thursday on charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. According to federal prosecutors, the McKinney actor and others from both North Texas and Florida "executed a scheme to defraud lenders and the Small Business Administration’s Paycheck Protection Program."Andrew Charles Moran, 43, of Lewisville;Jason Lawrence Geiger, a/k/a Austin St. John a/k/a the Red Power Ranger, 47, of McKinney;Cord Dean Newman, 44, of Homosassa, FL;Alexander Eric Cortesano, 52, of Dallas;Fabian C. Hernandez, 44, of Lake Alfred, FL;Hadi Mohammed Taffal, 50, of Allen; andCoppell man admits using fraudulent PPP loans to buy luxury cars, homesHill allegedly recruited people to use existing businesses or create businesses to apply for PPP funding. Morgan then helped with the paperwork and fabricated documents. "Once in receipt of the fraudulently obtained funds, the defendants did not use the money as intended, such as to pay employee salaries, cover fixed debt or utility payments, or continue health care benefits for employees. Instead, the defendants typically paid Hill and Moran, transferred money to their personal accounts, and spent the funds on various personal purchases," a news release states. The defendants are accused of misusing at least $3.5 million from at least 16 fraudulent loans and could face up to 20 years in prison if convicted. St. John is best known for his role as Jason Lee Scott on "Mighty Morphin Power Rangers." He appeared on the show in 1993 but left after the second season.
Scratch the next story
Please follow us on Google to support usUnited States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News: You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Here’s How ‘Red (Taylor’s Version)’ Performed Compared to Taylor Swift’s ‘Red’ in Its First Six MonthsHere's how taylorswift13's second re-record release, RedTaylorsVersion performed compared to the original 'Red' in its first six months.
Read more »
Red Power Ranger Actor Charged With FraudAustin St. John, who played the superhero in the 'Mighty Morphin Power Rangers,' was one of 18 people charged in a federal indictment on Thursday.
Read more »
Red Power Ranger actor charged for role in $3.5 million stimulus fraud scheme, faces 20 years in federal prisonAustin St. John, real name Jason Lawrence Geiger, was one of 18 people charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud to obtain PPP funding.
Read more »
Red Power Ranger Austin St. John Indicted For FraudAustin St. John, the original Red Ranger on ‘Power Rangers,’ has been indicted on charges of fraud:
Read more »
Red Power Ranger actor indicted in COVID loan fraudThe defendants are accused of fraudulently obtaining at least $3.5 million through at least 16 loans.
Read more »
Red Power Ranger Actor Among 19 Accused in Texas PPP SchemeNineteen people, including the actor who played the Red Power Ranger on television, are facing federal charges after being accused of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, the Department of Justice says.
Read more »