Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday sued an Idaho man accused of selling fake spotted lanternfly permits to residents and businesses across the state, including in the Chester County quarantine zone that covers West Chester and surrounding communities.

The lawsuit, first reported by MyChesCo, alleges Kevin Wardell and his company, Diverse Solutions, LLC, mailed official-looking letters under the name "Spotted Lanternfly Commission." The letters used logos and language resembling those of the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (PDA), according to the complaint filed in Dauphin County Court of Common Pleas.

Chester County is one of 56 Pennsylvania counties under a state-imposed spotted lanternfly quarantine, according to Penn State Extension. Businesses operating in the quarantine zone must obtain PDA permits to move vehicles, equipment and goods.

The letters allegedly warned recipients they could face civil and criminal penalties unless they complied immediately. According to the Philadelphia Inquirer's reporting, at least 80 Pennsylvania residents and businesses received the mailings. How many paid is unclear.

Wardell allegedly charged $59 to $139 for permits and training he had no state authorization to offer, the Inquirer reported. The training consisted of three videos totaling seven minutes, featuring Wardell speaking generally about spotted lanternflies. The legitimate PDA and Penn State Extension course runs about three hours. It is free.

"Scammers peddling fraudulent trainings and fake permits do not help anyone keep their crops safe from this destructive species," Sunday said in a Sept. 30 statement announcing the lawsuit.

The complaint, filed by Senior Deputy Attorney General Paul D. Edger, alleges Wardell violated the state's Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law. The state is seeking to bar Wardell and Diverse Solutions from doing business in Pennsylvania, along with restitution for affected consumers and civil penalties.

No source confirms whether any Chester County residents or businesses are among the recipients.

Legitimate spotted lanternfly permits and training are available at no cost through Penn State Extension. Businesses with questions can contact [email protected].