Omaha Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison After Bank Robbery, ChatGPT Use Emerges in Investigation
A 23-year-old Omaha, Nebraska, 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 on February 10, according to investigators. He entered the bank, pointed a firearm at employees and threatened the tellers before fleeing with approximately $9,175.
The case gained additional attention after investigators discovered that Lewis-Payne had used ChatGPT while preparing for the robbery. Authorities reportedly found searches on his phone concerning police response times and firearm-related topics.
Investigators also pieced together a trail of surveillance and digital evidence. Security cameras captured Lewis-Payne’s face, clothing and vehicle during and after the robbery. Additional footage reportedly showed him shopping for new clothes at Westroads Mall shortly after the incident.
Authorities eventually linked the vehicle to Lewis-Payne. When officers attempted to approach him, he reportedly fled. Police later recovered additional money and other evidence believed to be connected to the robbery.
A subsequent examination of his phone uncovered further evidence, including the reported ChatGPT activity. Investigators also found that his Google Maps history showed the bank among locations he had recently searched.
Despite his apparent efforts to prepare for the crime and avoid detection, investigators were able to connect him to the robbery through a combination of surveillance footage, vehicle records, digital activity and physical evidence.
Lewis-Payne 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. Following his imprisonment, he will serve five years of supervised release.
The case highlights how digital footprints, surveillance systems and other forms of electronic evidence can become important investigative tools in modern criminal cases.
Omaha Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison After Bank Robbery, ChatGPT Use Emerges in Investigation