Nationwide — Deron Lewis-Payne, a 23-year-old African American man from Omaha, Nebraska, received more than 10 years in prison after robbing a bank at gunpoint. Investigators later found that he used ChatGPT to help plan the robbery, including questions about firearms and police response times.
According to KETV, Lewis-Payne entered an i3 Bank branch near 156th and Spaulding streets and pointed a handgun at bank tellers. He threatened to kill them if they did not follow his orders, then instructed them to empty their cash drawers. He also warned them not to use dye packs while handing over the money.
The tellers followed his instructions, and he left the bank with $9,175. Surveillance cameras captured his clothing, including a pair of red Nike slides. Other security footage recorded the vehicle and license plate he used to leave the area, giving investigators more details to track him.
Investigators later spotted footage showing Lewis-Payne at several stores near Westroads Mall. An officer eventually saw him near one of his residences, but he ran when the officer approached. He left behind a band of cash as he fled. A search of his home turned up additional money, the vehicle used in the robbery, and most of the clothing seen in the bank footage. Lewis-Payne admitted driving the vehicle but denied taking part in the robbery.
A search of his phone gave investigators more evidence. They found that he had used ChatGPT while planning the crime, including asking about police response times, how to strip and repair a Llama Mini-Max .45 handgun, and how to obtain ammunition as a felon. Investigators also found that his latest Google Maps search was for the bank he later robbed.
The court sentenced Lewis-Payne to a little more than 10 years in prison for robbery and brandishing a firearm. Investigators had linked him to the crime through surveillance footage, the getaway vehicle, recovered cash and clothing, as well as information found on his phone.