Newark Man Sentenced To 7 Years In Federal Prison For Bank Robberies, Ghost Gun

The prison sentence follows the culprit’s two bank robberies in 2023.

A Newark man was sentenced to seven years in federal prison last week after robbing two banks and being found in possession of an untraceable firearm, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware.

Joshua Lewis, 37, was sentenced to 84 months by U.S. District Judge Gregory B. Williams following his conviction on charges related to two bank robberies committed in Wilmington and Dover in February 2023.

Lewis, who has multiple prior felony convictions, was also found in possession of a loaded “ghost gun” and additional 9mm ammunition—illegal under federal law due to his criminal record.

According to court records, Lewis stole more than $6,000 during the two robberies.

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He was apprehended after attempting to flee law enforcement officers who approached him at his home.

A search of his vehicle revealed the firearm, which had no serial number, and a cache of ammunition.

“Mr. Lewis’s brazen robberies instilled fear in his victims and served only to undermine the security of our financial system,” said U.S. Attorney Julianne E. 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.”

Local law enforcement leaders praised the collaborative investigation, which involved the Delaware State Police, Dover Police Department, and the FBI’s Delaware Violent Crime and Safe Streets Task Force.

“Violence in our communities is unacceptable,” said Colonel William D. Crotty, superintendent of the Delaware State Police. “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.”