A 23-year-old Omaha man, Deron Lewis-Payne, has been sentenced to 10 years and one month in federal prison after pleading guilty to robbing a bank and using, carrying and brandishing a firearm during the crime.
Lewis-Payne robbed an i3Bank branch in Omaha, Nebraska, on February 10. According to investigators, he entered the bank, pointed a gun at tellers and threatened them before fleeing with approximately $9,175.
The case has drawn attention after investigators discovered that Lewis-Payne had used ChatGPT while preparing for the robbery. His phone reportedly contained searches relating to police response times and firearm-related questions.
Surveillance footage also helped investigators identify him, capturing his face, clothing and vehicle. Cameras later recorded him shopping for new clothes at Westroads Mall.
Investigators eventually traced the vehicle to Lewis-Payne. When officers attempted to approach him, he reportedly fled, while police later recovered additional money and other evidence linked to the robbery.
A search of his phone provided further evidence. Investigators found the ChatGPT activity, while his Google Maps history showed the bank among locations he had recently searched.
Despite his attempts to prepare for the robbery, Lewis-Payne left behind multiple digital and physical clues that helped investigators connect him to the crime.
He was sentenced on August 13 to 10 years and one month in federal prison. Because he received a federal sentence, he will not be eligible for federal parole. After his prison term, he will serve five years of supervised release.
