A 23-year-old Omaha, Nebraska man who used ChatGPT to help plan an armed bank robbery has been sentenced to more than 10 years in federal prison. Deron Lewis-Payne received a total of 121 months on August 13, 2026, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Nebraska.
Lewis-Payne was sentenced to 37 months for bank robbery and a consecutive 84 months for brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. He will also serve five years of supervised release after completing his prison term. Federal sentences do not include parole.
On February 10, 2026, Lewis-Payne entered i3Bank on Spaulding Street in Omaha carrying a black semi-automatic Llama Mini-Max .45 handgun. He pointed the weapon at two employees, threatened to kill them if they did not comply, ordered them to empty their cash drawers, and warned them not to include dye packs. He fled with approximately $9,175.
Surveillance video captured his distinctive clothing, including red Nike slides, and the vehicle he used. Investigators later recovered cash, the vehicle, and clothing matching the footage. Although Lewis-Payne admitted driving the vehicle, he initially denied involvement in the robbery. A consented search of his phone revealed he had used ChatGPT while preparing for the crime. Queries included information on law enforcement response times, how to strip and repair a Llama Mini-Max .45 handgun, and how to obtain ammunition as a convicted felon. His Google Maps history also showed a recent search for directions to the bank.
More News on Token10x.blog
- Robinhood CEO on Trump Accounts
- Nigerian SEC Sets N30m Fee, N2bn Capital for Crypto
- 63% Say Trump Crossed Crypto Line
- Bitcoin in Correction Phase Following Rally to $44K: CryptoQuant
- Argentinean Airline Is Now The First to Offer Tickets as NFTs on Algorand
The case highlights how digital tools can leave forensic traces that aid investigators. While artificial intelligence platforms are designed with safeguards, criminal use of publicly available information continues to appear in court records. Responsible handling of technology and awareness of digital footprints remain important considerations for users across many online activities, including those related to security.
For those following crime, technology and broader digital trends, detailed analysis and updates are available at Token10x.com. Additional resources and ongoing coverage of the crypto ecosystem can be found through Token10x.blog. Explore expert insights on Token10x.com and access timely updates via Token10x.blog. Visit Token10x.com for more on navigating these challenges.
Lewis-Payne’s conviction and sentence close a case that combined traditional armed robbery with modern digital planning methods, underscoring both the reach of surveillance evidence and the limits of relying on online tools for criminal preparation.