PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Pennsylvania officials are suing an Idaho man they allege scammed citizens into buying fake permits for spotted lanternflies.
Attorney General Dave Sunday said Kevin Wardell sold the fraudulent permits through his business, using the name "Spotted Lanternfly Commission."
The suit alleged Wardell would mail letters to Pennsylvanians that included deceptive logos and wording, making it look like it was coming from the state's Department of Agriculture.
The state is currently under a quarantine order to address the spotted lanternfly infestation. This order requires certain businesses to obtain a permit from the department to ensure the spotted lanternfly population does not grow or expand to neighboring areas.
Officials seek to ban Wardell from doing business in the commonwealth and restitution for the victims.
