WILMINGTON, Del. — A Newark man was sentenced to seven years in federal prison after robbing two Delaware banks and being caught with an untraceable “ghost gun,” authorities announced.
Joshua Lewis, 37, was sentenced last week to 84 months behind bars by U.S. District Judge Gregory B. Williams. The charges stem from bank robberies in Wilmington and Dover in February 2023, where Lewis stole over $6,000 before being tracked to his home.
When law enforcement officers confronted Lewis, he attempted to flee but was taken into custody. A search of his vehicle revealed a loaded, unserialized firearm and 9mm ammunition. As a convicted felon, Lewis was prohibited from possessing either.
“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.”
Authorities emphasized the importance of collaboration across agencies, with Dover Police Chief Thomas Johnson saying the case showed “great collaboration between local, state and federal law enforcement partners working together to stop dangerous people.”
Delaware State Police Superintendent Colonel William D. Crotty said the sentencing “sends a clear message” that violent offenders will be held accountable. FBI Baltimore Special Agent in Charge William J. DelBagno added that Lewis “threatened violence without regard for who he hurt and how.”
Lewis remains in federal custody and will serve his sentence without the possibility of parole.