A Philadelphia attorney practicing in Scranton has been charged by federal authorities with operating a scheme to obtain COVID-19 pandemic relief money he was not entitled to receive, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced.

According to federal prosecutors, Jonathan Olivetti, 41, made false representations when applying for two Paycheck Protection Program loans and two Economic Injury Disaster Loans on behalf of Olivetti Law LLC. Both loan programs were authorized or expanded by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, also known as the CARES Act.

Olivetti is specifically charged with wire fraud. He is represented by federal public defender Lori Ulrich, who declined to comment. According to the docket, a plea agreement filed Dec. 17 states that Olivetti intends to enter a guilty plea.