Austin St. John, the original Red Power Ranger, has spoken out after he was sentenced for his role in a $3.5 million Paycheck Protection Program scam during the Covid-19 pandemic
Austin St. John, the actor renowned for his role as the Red Power Ranger, has defended his actions following his sentencing in a $3.5 million Paycheck Protection Program scam during the Covid-19 pandemic.
St. John, who shot to fame as the original Red Ranger in “Mighty Morphin Power Rangers,” received a five-year probation sentence in the fraud case. He admitted to conspiracy to commit wire fraud in the case that involved 19 defendants accused of submitting fraudulent PPP loan applications meant to aid businesses impacted by lockdowns.
This follows the recent Dark Side of the Power Rangers episode on Discovery’s Hollywood Demons docuseries, which spotlighted Jason David Frank. Frank, known for his roles as the Green and White Ranger, tragically took his own life in 2022.
Thuy Trang, the original Yellow Ranger, died in a car accident in 2001, while Pua Magasiva, the Red Ranger from Power Rangers Ninja Storm, committed suicide amid domestic abuse charges in 2019.
Perhaps most infamously, Ricardo Medina Jr. , the Red Wild Force Ranger from the Power Rangers Wild Force TV series and Deker in Power Rangers Samurai, served time in prison for manslaughter in 2015, reports the Mirror US.
Despite numerous deaths, court cases, and the series – not to mention his own legal troubles, St. John maintains that the so-called “Power Ranger curse” is nothing more than a myth.
He also disclosed that he had several disputes with Frank during his lifetime but has since grown close to the late green ranger’s family, providing emotional support to his grieving son.
“Be careful who you hire because the government will not care whether you had a working knowledge of any crime being committed or not,” he warned, reflecting on his legal battles.
He continued with a stark warning: “They will roast you just the same.”
St. John admitted to his lapse in judgment, saying he has “accepted responsibility” for not conducting thorough “due diligence,” However, he firmly stated: “But I have never knowingly committed a crime in my life.”
He also hinted at an upcoming revelation: “Soon, I’ll be putting something out where people will have the truth. They’ll have the other side of the story.”
On his relationship with Frank, he commented: “We weren’t beer-drinking buddies and didn’t always agree.
“You could tell when he was in one mood versus another. There was instability there. That’s when he was out trying to say terrible things about me.
“And then I would get a private email and a letter with a huge apology. Sometimes he was Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, but in his heart, I know he was a good man.”
St. John has since developed a bond with Frank’s family, revealing, “I was just speaking with his son last night. They’re finding their way through the loss, and I’m here to help.”
Frank’s tragic end came when his wife, Tammie, discovered him deceased in a Texas hotel room bathroom, having locked himself in and hanged himself after consuming a mix of drugs.
The narrative of the so-called “Power Rangers curse” has been fuelled by the misfortunes and scandals that have plagued its cast members.
Prior to Frank’s passing three years ago, his brother, Erik Frank, also took his own life in 2001. Despite this, St. John rejects the notion of a “curse”.
“I think it’s sensationalism,” he remarked. “If it bleeds, it leads. There’s no curse. Every Power Ranger has been human and imperfect.”
He continued: “I pray for those we’ve lost and I hope those that made mistakes grow from them and become stronger than they were.”
On the topic of the docuseries, St. John mentioned he overlooked an email from the producers.
In 2024, St. John stirred controversy with his plans to market apparel emblazoned with Adolf Hitler quotes, sparking outrage among fans and ex-cast mates.
Back in 2022, St. John found himself embroiled in legal trouble, indicted as part of a group of 18 implicated in a scam to swindle $3.5 million in Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans amid the pandemic.
He was accused of pocketing upwards of $400,000 through deceitful loans, funneling the cash to accomplices instead of covering bona fide business costs.
Following his admission of guilt for conspiracy to commit wire fraud, he received a sentence of five years on probation starting May 8 and was instructed to repay more than $225,000, thereby dodging a jail term.
Now, he’s channeling his energies into creating a comic series titled Redemption, which delves into the post-heroic life of his Power Rangers persona.
“It’s about what happens to Jason 30 years after he hangs up the red suit,” he explained, expressing his ambition to expand it into an animated show and a live-action movie.
“My legend is becoming better tomorrow than I am today. That ought to be everybody’s objective.”
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
