5 Shocking Facts About Jason Lee Scott's Actor: The Red Ranger's $3.5 Million Scandal And 2025 Comeback

Few characters in 90s pop culture hold the same nostalgic weight as Jason Lee Scott, the original Red Ranger and undisputed leader of the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers. Yet, the life of the actor who brought this iconic hero to life has been anything but a typical Hollywood success story. As of December 2025, the narrative surrounding the actor is dominated by a shocking $3.5 million federal fraud case, a narrow escape from prison time, and a cautious return to the public eye.

The man behind the Morpher, Austin St. John, has spent the last few years navigating a complex legal battle that saw the once-beloved childhood hero face a potential 20-year sentence. Fans are now grappling with the reality of their hero's off-screen struggles while simultaneously celebrating his planned 2025 convention appearances, marking a significant and controversial comeback for the original Red Ranger.

The Man Behind the Morpher: Austin St. John's Full Biography

The character of Jason Lee Scott, the valiant and athletic leader of the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, was portrayed by actor and martial artist Austin St. John. The actor's real-life story is as complex as his on-screen persona is straightforward.

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• Legal Name: Jason Lawrence Geiger
• Professional Name: Austin St. John
• Date of Birth: September 17, 1974
• Birthplace: Roswell, New Mexico, U.S.
• Parents: Steve John (U.S. Marine and martial artist) and Sharon John
• Key Role: Jason Lee Scott / Red Ranger in Mighty Morphin Power Rangers (1993–1994)
• Martial Arts: Trained in various disciplines, including Taekwondo, Kenpo, and Shōtōkan
• Other Roles: Reprised his role in Power Rangers Zeo (as the Gold Ranger, Jason) and the 2020 film A Dark Fate.
• Post-Acting Career: Worked for years as a paramedic and firefighter following his initial departure from acting.

St. John, a black belt in multiple martial arts, initially left the show due to a reported pay dispute, a common issue for the original cast members. He later returned to the franchise for various projects, cementing his legacy as the first-ever on-screen Red Ranger and the original leader recruited by Zordon to defend the Earth from Rita Repulsa.

The $3.5 Million Scandal: The PPP Fraud Case

The most recent and significant chapter in Austin St. John's life involves a federal indictment that shocked the fandom. This is the key piece of fresh information dominating his current narrative.

In May 2022, Austin St. John (Jason Lawrence Geiger) was indicted on charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud.

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The Details of the COVID-19 Relief Scheme

The charges stemmed from his alleged involvement in a scheme to defraud the U.S. government's Small Business Administration (SBA) of approximately $3.5 million through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).

• The Core Scheme: St. John was one of 18 people charged in the scheme. The group's alleged leader, Michael Hill, would recruit individuals to submit fraudulent applications for PPP loans, which were intended for small businesses suffering financially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• The Alleged Role: St. John was accused of obtaining over a dozen fraudulent loans for himself and others. The money was allegedly laundered through various accounts, with the actor reportedly spending the funds on personal purchases.

The actor initially faced a maximum sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison for the conspiracy charge.

The Sentencing and Five-Year Probation

In a major development that concluded the case, St. John took a plea deal, pleading guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud.

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On a recent date, St. John was sentenced to five years of federal probation, successfully avoiding any federal prison time. The court also ordered him to pay restitution.

The decision to grant probation was reportedly influenced by the actor's lack of prior criminal history and his otherwise law-abiding life before the incident.

A Ranger's Return: Conventions, Tributes, and the Future

Despite the legal cloud, Austin St. John is actively working to re-engage with his dedicated fanbase, signaling a professional comeback centered around the nostalgia of the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers era.

Scheduled 2025 Convention Appearances

Following his sentencing, the actor has already begun booking and appearing at fan conventions, a crucial source of income and connection for many legacy actors. Confirmed appearances for 2025 include:

• Retro Con 2025: Scheduled to meet fans and discuss the show.
• The Nostalgia Con – New Orleans 2025: Another multi-fandom event where he is listed as a guest.

These appearances confirm that the actor is permitted to travel and is actively pursuing his career in the public eye, leveraging his iconic status as the original Red Ranger.

Honoring the Green Ranger: Jason David Frank Tribute

The bond between the original cast members remains a point of interest for fans, particularly in the wake of the tragic passing of Jason David Frank (Tommy Oliver/Green Ranger).

Austin St. John, despite his own personal struggles, was among the original cast members who publicly paid tribute to Frank, acknowledging the deep connection they shared as the two primary leaders of the team.

St. John posted a poignant message, saying his heart was "sad to have lost another member of our special family" and asking his former co-star to "Rest now in Peace." This shared mourning highlights the enduring legacy of the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers family, even as members face their own complex real-world challenges.

The Enduring Legacy of Jason Lee Scott

The character of Jason Lee Scott remains an enduring figure in the Power Rangers universe. He is remembered as the martial arts expert who wielded the Power Sword and commanded the powerful Red Dragon Thunderzord.

The actor's legal troubles have created a dichotomy for fans: separating the fictional, moral hero from the real-life struggles of the man who played him. As Austin St. John continues his five-year probation, his 2025 convention circuit will be closely watched, representing a potential, albeit complicated, path to redemption and a second chance in the world of entertainment.

The story of the Red Ranger's actor is a stark reminder that the lives of childhood heroes are often far more complex than the roles they play on screen. His return to conventions is not just an opportunity for fans to meet a star, but a public step in a long journey to rebuild his life and career after a major legal crisis.