'Power Rangers' actor faces prison for alleged $3.5 million tax scam

Austin St. John, the actor who played the red Power Ranger on TV in the 90s, has been arrested for an alleged tax crime.

Jason Geiger, the actor's real name, was born in 1974. He became very famous in the 1990s thanks to his lead role in the series 'Mighty Morphin Power Rangers.'

Photo: Instagram - @austin_st_john

Nearly three decades later, Austin St. John has gone from saving the world from giant monsters to facing a prison sentence that could span two decades.

The actor would have illegally benefited from government aid to small businesses, which was created to alleviate the economic crisis during the pandemic.

Photo: Instagram - @austin_st_john

According to Deadline, police investigations showed that the accused had submitted false requests to the Loan Protection Program.

In addition to Austin St. John, 17 other people were arrested in the operation.

Photo: Instagram - @austin_st_john

Austin St. John reportedly took out 16 loans with which he raised a total of 3.5 million dollars. According to the investigation, cited by Deadline, he used this money for personal expenses.

Austin St. John denies the charges and pleads not guilty. In fact, his production company, Galactic Productions, published an explanation for the case on social media.

Photo: Instagram - @austin_st_john

"Austin St. John is a father, husband, role model and friend to many. The indictment detailed today is populated by a multitude of individuals - the majority of which Austin has no knowledge of, and has never met or interacted with," the post reads.

Photo: Instagram - @austin_st_john

"It is our understanding that Austin put his faith, reputation, and finances in the hands of third parties, whose goals were self-centered and ultimately manipulated and betrayed his trust," the producer emphasizes.

"We expect Austin’s legal team to successfully defend against these charges and lead to his ultimate exoneration," the statement reads.

TMZ detailed the arrest of the legendary Power Ranger. The police would have arrived, by surprise, at his home in Texas.

About 15 FBI agents reportedly participated in the police raid and arrest of Austin St. John.

As confirmed by the Justice Department to TMZ, the accumulated charges can cost Austin St. John up to 20 years in prison, which would mean he would get out when he's close to 70.

Photo: Instagram - @austin_st_john

After his TV success, the actor worked as a paramedic and martial arts instructor. In 2020, he appeared in 'Power Rangers Beast Morphers,' a reboot of the original series.