Austin St. John—best known as Jason the Red Ranger and the Gold Ranger in the Power Rangers franchise—was involved in a raid on the morning of May 19, 2022.
The Red Power Ranger Curse Continues: Austin St. John NABBED in FEDERAL RAID for Scamming $3.5 Million in COVID-19 Relief Loans
In speaking with TMZ, a neighbor of the 47-year-old actor and martial artist said that at 7 AM Thursday, May 19, 15 FBI agents arrived at St. John’s home in McKinney, Texas. For their report, the agents were decked out in tactical gear and rolling in raid-ready Suburbans.
Now, they’re responding to a scammer—a federal one, yes but still a scammer—but let’s assume that they read the warrant saw that it was the Red Power Ranger, figured “Oh sh**, he’s got a Red Dragon zord in his backyard!” and armored all the way up.
After breaching the home, they came out with Austin St. John in cuffs. It’s always better to be safe in these situations regardless of the violent or non-violent nature of the offense. It’s indictment season as St. John is one of 18 people targeted in a federal indictment on fraud charges.
Allegedly, they were working a scheme to hustle the Paycheck Protection Program. Established by the Small Business Administration, the PPP is meant to help small businesses impacted by COVID-19. The indictment alleges that St. John picked up 16 loans which came out to $3.5 million and use the money for purchases not covered by the PPP.
If he is found guilty, Austin St. John could face up to 20 years in prison for his actions.
Other Disgraced Red Rangers
This seems like a continuation of the “Red Ranger Curse” with the troubled Pua Magasiva dying of suicide on December 18, 2019, after being convicted of domestic abuse the day before. Magasiva portrayed the Red Ranger in Power Rangers Ninja Storm in 2003 and as a guest the following year in Power Rangers Dino Thunder.
In March 2017, Ricardo Medina Jr was sentenced to a maximum of six years in prison for killing his roommate with a sword. Medina—who played the Red Ranger in Power Rangers Wild Force in 2002 and the villain Deker in Power Rangers Samurai—has since been released.
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