Shannon T. Hanson Acting United States Attorney for the District of Delaware | U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware
Joshua Lewis, a 37-year-old resident of Newark, Delaware, has been sentenced to seven years in federal prison following his conviction for robbing two banks and possessing ammunition as a previously convicted felon. The sentence was handed down by Judge Gregory B. Williams of the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware.
Court records indicate that Lewis committed bank robberies in Wilmington and Dover in February 2023, taking more than $6,000 in total. When law enforcement approached him at his residence, Lewis tried to escape but was quickly apprehended. Officers discovered a loaded “ghost gun” and additional 9mm ammunition in the vehicle he had been using.
U.S. Attorney Julianne E. Murray commented on the case: “Mr. Lewis’s brazen robberies instilled fear in his victims and served only to undermine the security of our financial system. 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 also remarked on Lewis’s criminal history: “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 added: “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. Hats off to everyone involved in the case.”
Colonel William D. Crotty, Superintendent of the Delaware State Police, said: “The Delaware State Police is grateful for the strong partnership with the Dover Police Department and the U.S. Attorney’s Office in bringing this case to a successful conclusion,” adding: “Violence in our communities is unacceptable. 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. Working with our law enforcement partners, we will continue to investigate and arrest individuals who compromise public safety and victimize Delawareans.”
FBI Baltimore Special Agent in Charge William J. DelBagno noted: “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,” continuing: “May this sentence be a reminder that the FBI and our law enforcement partners will do all we can to protect the safety and security of our communities while holding violent offenders accountable.”
The investigation was conducted by Delaware State Police Troop 2 Robbery Unit, Dover Police Department, and FBI’s Delaware Violent Crime and Safe Streets Task Force.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Bryan C. Williamson and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Eli H. Klein prosecuted the case.
Additional details about this case are available through official sources such as the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware, the District Court for the District of Delaware, or via PACER under Case No. 1:24-cr-13-GBW.
