HARRISBURG, PA — Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday has sued an Idaho man and his business, alleging they deceived residents and businesses into paying for fraudulent spotted lanternfly permits and training by making solicitations appear to come from the state Department of Agriculture.
The lawsuit accuses Kevin Wardell and Diverse Solutions, LLC, of marketing and selling the permits and training under the name “Spotted Lanternfly Commission.”
According to the complaint, Wardell and his company mailed letters using logos and terminology designed to resemble communications from the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.
The letters allegedly warned recipients that they could face civil and criminal penalties unless they immediately complied, while offering permits and training created by Wardell for sale.
The Attorney General’s Office alleges that numerous individuals and businesses, unaware that the solicitations were not from the Department of Agriculture, purchased the permits and training.
Pennsylvania requires certain businesses operating within or from areas covered by the state’s spotted lanternfly quarantine to obtain permits intended to limit the movement of the invasive insect. State information confirms that businesses traveling or shipping within or from quarantine areas must obtain a spotted lanternfly permit.
Legitimate training and permits are available without charge through the Department of Agriculture and Penn State Extension.
“Scammers peddling fraudulent trainings and fake permits do not help anyone keep their crops safe from this destructive species,” Sunday said. “Legitimate training and permits are available for free through the Department of Agriculture and Penn State Extension.”
The lawsuit asks the Dauphin County Court of Common Pleas to prohibit Wardell and Diverse Solutions from conducting business in Pennsylvania. The state is also seeking restitution for consumers who purchased the alleged fraudulent permits or training and civil penalties.
Senior Deputy Attorney General Paul D. Edger filed the complaint.
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