
Power Rangers Actor Charged With Paycheck Protection Fraud | Entertainment News
PLANO, Texas (AP) — The actor who played Red Power Ranger in the “Mighty Morphin Power Rangers” films and television series has been charged with wire fraud conspiracy relating to the federal Paycheck Protection Program, officials said.
Jason Lawrence Geiger, 47, of McKinney, Texas, is one of 19 defendants named in a federal indictment, the FBI said. Acting under the name Austin St. John, Geiger played Jason Lee Scott, the Red Power Ranger.
Geiger was arrested Tuesday and remained jailed pending a Monday detention hearing before a federal magistrate in the Dallas suburb of Plano, according to court documents. He pleaded not guilty to the single count against him and “intends to vigorously defend himself against this allegation,” said his attorney, David Klaudt of Dallas.
The Payroll Protection Program was part of the CARES Act designed to provide emergency financial assistance to millions of Americans who were suffering the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
In a statement issued Thursday, federal prosecutors said the 19 defendants made fraudulent applications for payroll protection benefits during the pandemic lockdown and used the proceeds for personal purchases and expenditures. In all, the defendants were accused of obtaining at least 16 loans worth at least $3.5 million.
Political Cartoons

If convicted, each could be sentenced to up to 20 years in federal prison.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
More Stories
Princess of Wales launches early years development campaign | Entertainment
Catherine, Princess of Wales is launching a campaign on early years development.The 41-year-old royal says that not enough attention is...
Lake Metroparks Farmpark Ice Festival provides fun and entertainment for children and adults – News-Herald
Chilly weather over the weekend helped to provide an ideal atmosphere for a Lake Metroparks Farmpark community event. Farmpark, which...
Watch George Clooney’s Impressive Glow-Up Throughout the Years
If there's anyone around here that knows a thing or two about a glow-up, it's George Clooney. The actor was one...
Taylor Swift teases release of ‘Lavender Haze’ music video | Entertainment
Taylor Swift has us floating on a cloud of "Lavender Haze."The singer teased the debut of the music video to...
Watch Young and the Restless star Tracey E. Bregman receive a new Emmy after her first melted in a fire
Tracey E. Bregman is feeling grateful after becoming the recipient of one brand new Emmy.The Young and the Restless star...
COVID testing site at Duluth Entertainment Convention Center to close Saturday – Duluth News Tribune
DULUTH — The COVID-19 testing site at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center will close Saturday, the Minnesota Department of Health...