Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Armed Bank Robbery Planned Using ChatGPT

​An Omaha man has been handed a 121-month federal prison sentence following an armed bank robbery in West Omaha.

​Deron Lewis-Payne, 23, was sentenced on August 13 by U.S. District Court Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. after previously pleading guilty to charges of bank robbery and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. Because the federal system does not offer parole, Lewis-Payne must serve the entire prison term, which will be followed by five years of supervised release.

​The Investigation and AI Plot

​Court documents released by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Nebraska revealed unusual specifics regarding the preparation of the crime. Investigators found that Lewis-Payne used ChatGPT to research operational aspects of the heist, including local law enforcement response times, maintenance instructions for a Llama Mini-Max .45 handgun, and ways to acquire ammunition as a convicted felon.

​On February 10, Lewis-Payne targeted the i3 Bank located near 156th and Spaulding streets. Brandishing a semi-automatic handgun, he threatened tellers and fled with approximately $9,175 in cash after warning employees not to include dye packs.

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​Quick Identification and Arrest

​Surveillance footage from the bank clearly captured the suspect’s unmasked face and distinctive red Nike slides. Additional footage from nearby residential cameras captured his getaway vehicle, complete with a toolbox and specific rust patterns.

​Following the robbery, transaction records and surveillance footage showed Lewis-Payne went on a spending spree at Westroads Mall, purchasing designer apparel and shoes with cash. Law enforcement officers arrested him shortly after the incident following a brief foot pursuit.

​While authorities recovered the vehicle, most of the outfit, and $2,397 of the stolen money, the firearm used in the robbery remains missing. The Federal Bureau of Investigation handled the investigation alongside local law enforcement.

• ​Judge sentences Omaha man convicted of armed bank robbery that he used ChatGPT to help plan This video provides local news coverage and additional details regarding the sentencing handed down in federal court.