How 23-year-old man used ChatGPT to plan bank robbery

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A 23-year-old man from Omaha, Nebraska, Deron Lewis-Payne, has been sentenced to 10 years and one month in federal prison after pleading guilty to bank robbery and using, carrying and brandishing a firearm during the offence.

Lewis-Payne robbed an i3Bank branch in Omaha on February 10, where investigators said he pointed a gun at bank tellers and threatened them before escaping with about $9,175.

The case attracted additional attention after investigators discovered that Lewis-Payne had used ChatGPT while preparing for the robbery.

According to investigators, searches found on his phone included queries concerning police response times and questions relating to firearms.

Surveillance footage also played a key role in the investigation, helping authorities identify Lewis-Payne through images showing his face, clothing and vehicle.

Additional footage later showed him purchasing new clothes at Westroads Mall.

Investigators subsequently traced the vehicle back to Lewis-Payne. When police attempted to apprehend him, he reportedly fled.

Authorities later recovered additional money and other evidence believed to be connected to the bank robbery.

A subsequent examination of Lewis-Payne’s phone uncovered further evidence, including his ChatGPT activity.

His Google Maps history also showed that the bank had been among the locations he had recently searched.

Despite his efforts to prepare for the robbery, investigators said Lewis-Payne left behind several digital and physical traces that ultimately helped link him to the crime.

He was sentenced on August 13 to 10 years and one month in federal prison.

Because the sentence was imposed in federal court, Lewis-Payne will not be eligible for federal parole.

Following his prison term, he will also serve five years under supervised release.

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