(AP) - A Connecticut jeweler has been charged in Rhode Island in what federal authorities say is a $5 million fraud scheme using his store.

The U.S. attorney's office says Groton, Connecticut, resident Gerald Kent was ordered detained on Thursday on charges of wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. Kent owns Kent Jewelry in Johnston, Rhode Island, which sells jewelry online using flash sale websites such as Groupon and Zulily.

Prosecutors say Kent struck a deal with a firm that buys unpaid invoices at a discount in return for cash. But they say Kent sold the company fraudulent invoices, netting himself $3.6 million.

Kent's lawyer won't comment on the charges.

Kent is scheduled to appear back in federal court for a detention hearing on July 26.