A 23-year-old man, Deron Lewis-Payne, has been sentenced to 121 months in federal prison for his role in an armed bank robbery in Omaha, Nebraska. This unusual case has drawn attention due to Lewis-Payne's use of ChatGPT during the planning stages of the crime.

Lewis-Payne pleaded guilty to charges of bank robbery and brandishing a firearm during a violent crime. The sentencing, which took place in federal court, was delivered by US District Judge Robert F. Rossiter Jr.. The judge imposed a 37-month sentence for the robbery itself and an additional 84 months for the firearm offense, with both sentences to be served consecutively. Following his prison term, Lewis-Payne will also face five years of supervised release.

The robbery occurred on February 10, 2026, when Lewis-Payne entered i3Bank in Omaha, armed with a black semi-automatic handgun. He threatened two bank employees, demanding they empty their cash drawers while insisting they exclude any dye packs from the money. The employees complied, and Lewis-Payne made off with approximately $9,175 in cash.

Investigators were able to identify Lewis-Payne as the suspect through surveillance footage and other evidence collected during the investigation. Notably, authorities discovered that he had utilized ChatGPT as a tool in the planning of the robbery, a fact that has sparked discussions about the implications of technology in criminal activities.

US Attorney Lesley A. Woods commented on the case, emphasizing that leveraging technology does not exempt individuals from facing legal repercussions for their actions. This case highlights the intersection of crime and technology, raising questions about the role of artificial intelligence in facilitating criminal behavior.

In the US federal prison system, there is no possibility of parole, meaning Lewis-Payne will serve the entirety of his sentence without the option for early release. This case serves as a stark reminder of the serious consequences that can arise from criminal actions, regardless of the methods employed in their planning.