Delaware Bank Robber Joshua Lewis Gets 7 Years

WILMINGTON, Del. – Joshua Lewis, 37, of Newark, Delaware, is headed to federal prison for seven years after a brazen spree of bank robberies and a subsequent attempt to evade law enforcement with an illegal weapon. U.S. Attorney Julianne E. Murray announced the 84-month sentence handed down by U.S. District Court Judge Gregory B. Williams last week.

Court records detail how Lewis targeted banks in Wilmington and Dover in February 2023, making off with a combined total of over $6,000. The robberies weren’t his only offenses. When officers arrived at his residence to apprehend him, Lewis attempted a desperate flight. A search of the vehicle he abandoned revealed a privately manufactured, unserialized firearm – a so-called “ghost gun” – along with a cache of 9mm ammunition. Lewis, already a convicted felon, was illegally possessing the weapon.

“Mr. Lewis’s brazen robberies instilled fear in his victims and served only to undermine the security of our financial system,” stated U.S. Attorney Murray. “His possession of ammunition within an untraceable gun—despite multiple prior felony convictions—only added to the danger he posed to society. This sentence reinforces the commitment of the U.S. Attorney’s Office to protecting the public and keeping guns out of the hands of people who fail to follow the law.”

Dover Police Chief Thomas Johnson offered a stark assessment: “Considering this offender’s felony criminal history, he should have never been in the position to start robbing banks. But that is a discussion for another day.” He lauded the collaborative effort, stating, “Bottom line – this is another example of great collaboration between local, state and federal law enforcement partners working together to stop dangerous people from posing a threat to innocent people. Rock solid investigative work that is buoyed by Federal prosecution almost always leads to the best long-term results for public safety.”

The sentiment was echoed by Delaware State Police Superintendent Colonel William D. Crotty, who emphasized the importance of interagency cooperation. “Violence in our communities is unacceptable,” Crotty said. “This sentencing sends a clear message that law enforcement agencies will stand united in support of victims and will ensure that those who commit violent crimes are held accountable.” FBI Baltimore Special Agent in Charge William J. DelBagno highlighted the human cost, stating, “Multiple bank employees, who were simply doing their jobs, must now deal with the pain and trauma inflicted on them by Joshua Lewis. He threatened violence without regard for who he hurt and how.”

The investigation was a joint effort by the Delaware State Police Troop 2 Robbery Unit, Dover Police Department, and the FBI’s Delaware Violent Crime and Safe Streets Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bryan C. Williamson and Eli H. Klein were responsible for the prosecution. Details of the case can be found on the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware website, the District Court website, or through PACER using Case No. 1:24-cr-13-GBW.