Pennsylvania Attorney General Sued Idaho Man Over Fake Permits
The lawsuit alleges that a man sold fraudulent spotted lanternfly permits to Pennsylvania businesses.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Financial Crime
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Pennsylvania authorities have filed a lawsuit against an Idaho man for allegedly impersonating the state agriculture department. The suit claims the defendant sold fake spotted lanternfly permits to businesses by threatening them with penalties.
Why it matters
The action aims to stop the defendant from conducting further business in the state and secure financial restitution for affected Pennsylvania companies. Authentic spotted lanternfly permits are provided free by the state after proper training.
The Pennsylvania Attorney General has initiated legal action seeking a permanent business ban and restitution. The office is currently investigating the full scope of the fraud committed by Kevin Wardell and Diverse Solutions, LLC.
The players
Kevin Wardell
He is an Idaho man named as the defendant in a civil lawsuit for allegedly selling fraudulent agricultural permits.
Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture
This state agency oversees the regulation of invasive species and provides legitimate, free spotted lanternfly permits to businesses.
Diverse Solutions, LLC
This is the business entity allegedly used by the defendant to impersonate state officials and conduct the permit fraud.
The details
The defendant allegedly mailed letters to businesses impersonating the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture to solicit sales. These communications coerced companies into paying for permits by threatening them with civil and criminal penalties for non-purchase.
Timeline
September 30, 2026: The lawsuit against Kevin Wardell was reported.
Legal Context
This case follows a pattern set by the Pennsylvania spotted lanternfly permit requirement, which mandates that businesses moving materials like wood or concrete obtain official clearance. By targeting companies vulnerable to regulatory compliance, the fraud exploited the state's invasive species control protocols.
Business owners in Pennsylvania should note that official spotted lanternfly permits are always issued free of charge through the state department. Any unsolicited request for payment to obtain such documentation should be reported to the Attorney General to protect local commerce.
The takeaway
Businesses must verify the source of any regulatory correspondence to avoid falling victim to solicitation scams. Legitimate government agencies will not demand payment for required permits through unsolicited mailings.
Further reading
For additional context on how authorities track and prosecute fraudulent activity in the state, visit the Financial Crime section.
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Do you trust that your business is adequately protected from fraudulent permit or compliance scams?
