Nebraska man sentenced to 10 years for bank robbery planned with ChatGPT

The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Nebraska announced on August 19 that Lewis-Payne received 37 months for bank robbery and an additional 84 months for brandishing a firearm during a violent crime, with sentences to run consecutively. He will also serve five years of supervised release. The incident occurred on February 10 when Lewis-Payne entered the bank, pointed a semi-automatic handgun at two employees, and threatened to kill them if they did not comply.

He escaped with approximately $9,175. Investigators identified Lewis-Payne through surveillance footage showing his unmasked face, distinctive outfit including red Nike slides, and the vehicle used in the robbery. A key part of the investigation involved examining Lewis-Payne's phone, which revealed he used ChatGPT to plan the robbery.

His queries included advice on law enforcement response times, how to repair a Llama Mini-Max .45 handgun, and how to obtain ammunition as a felon. His Google Maps history also showed searches for directions to i3Bank. After the robbery, Lewis-Payne reportedly went on a shopping spree.

When located by officers, he fled, abandoning cash. A search of his residences uncovered currency, the vehicle, and clothing worn during the robbery. Lewis-Payne admitted to driving the vehicle but denied participating in the robbery.

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