A 23-year-old Omaha man, Deron Lewis-Payne, has been sentenced to 10 years and one month in federal prison after pleading guilty to robbing a bank and using, carrying and brandishing a fir+arm during the crime.

Lewis-Payne robbed an i3Bank branch in Omaha, Nebraska, on February 10. He reportedly entered the bank, pointed a g¥n at tellers and threatened them before escaping with approximately $9,175.

The case has attracted attention because investigators discovered that Lewis-Payne had used ChatGPT while preparing for the r%bbery. According to investigators, his phone contained evidence of searches related to police response times and firearm-related questions.

Investigators were also able to link him to the r%bbery through surveillance footage, which captured his face, clothing and vehicle. Cameras later recorded him shopping for new clothes at Westroads Mall.

His vehicle provided another lead for investigators. When officers later approached Lewis-Payne, he reportedly fled. Police subsequently recovered additional money and other evidence connected to the r%bbery.

A search of his phone proved particularly significant. In addition to the ChatGPT activity, investigators found that his Google Maps history showed the bank among his recent searches.

Despite using AI during his preparation, Lewis-Payne did little to conceal his identity and left behind several pieces of digital and physical evidence that helped investigators build their case.

Lewis-Payne was sentenced on August 13 to 10 years and one month in federal prison. Because the sentence is federal, he will not be eligible for federal parole. After completing his prison term, he will serve five years of supervised release.

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