OMAHA, Nebraska — August 24, 2026 — A 23-year-old US man has been sentenced to more than 10 years in federal prison after investigators discovered that he had used ChatGPT while preparing for an armed bank robbery in Omaha, Nebraska.
Deron Lewis-Payne was sentenced on August 13 to 121 months — 10 years and one month — in federal prison after being convicted of bank robbery and using, carrying and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. He will also serve five years of supervised release after leaving prison.
According to investigators, Lewis-Payne entered an i3Bank branch in Omaha on February 10, pointed a handgun at employees and threatened them while demanding money. He reportedly escaped with approximately $9,175.
Surveillance footage became an important part of the investigation. Police said cameras captured his face, clothing and getaway vehicle. Investigators also traced his movements to a nearby shopping area, where he allegedly spent some of the stolen money on clothing.
The case took an unusual turn when police searched his mobile phone.
Investigators said they discovered conversations showing that Lewis-Payne had used ChatGPT while preparing for the robbery, including inquiries concerning police response times, firearm-related information and ammunition. His Google Maps history also reportedly showed a recent search for directions to the bank he subsequently robbed.
Authorities recovered some of the stolen money and other evidence, while the firearm allegedly used in the robbery has reportedly not been recovered.
The case has attracted widespread attention because it highlights the growing challenge posed by the misuse of artificial intelligence. While AI systems are designed with safeguards intended to prevent assistance with criminal activity, investigators said the suspect nevertheless attempted to use an AI chatbot as part of his preparation.
Federal prosecutors ultimately secured a sentence of 121 months in prison. Unlike the state prison systems in some jurisdictions, the federal system generally does not provide traditional parole, meaning Lewis-Payne will serve his federal sentence under the applicable federal rules before beginning his supervised release.
The case also serves as a stark reminder that digital activity can become evidence in criminal investigations. Searches, messages, location histories, surveillance footage and other electronic records can collectively help investigators reconstruct a suspect's movements and activities.
In the end, the technology Lewis-Payne reportedly turned to for assistance did not prevent investigators from identifying him — and his attempt to use artificial intelligence as part of the robbery planning became another piece of evidence in the case.
The broader question now facing law-enforcement agencies and technology companies is how AI can be kept useful for legitimate users while preventing criminals from exploiting increasingly powerful digital tools.
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