Police: Drug deal gone wrong reported to officers as armed robbery

MILLEDGEVILLE, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A Milledgeville man reported he was robbed at gunpoint, but police soon learned the armed robbery was actually a drug deal gone wrong.

Milledgeville Police Major Reggie Hill said 19-year-old William Lewis called police to his home on Elmwood Road to report he was robbed at gunpoint by 20-year-old Jataurius Burney.

Lewis told police Burney stole $200 and snatched a rifle.

Lewis gave the officers Burney’s license plate number.

But while detectives were inside the home, they smelled an “overwhelming presence” of marijuana.

“His story changed several times,” said Hill. “He finally admitted to detective Henderson that this was a drug deal gone bad.”

Lewis eventually told police Burney came over his house to buy marijuana.

“Lewis now stated…Burney pulled a handgun out, demanding the marijuana, and that only $60 was taken during the alleged armed robbery,” added Hill.

Lewis was arrested and police searched his home. They found marijuana, marijuana paraphernalia and digital scales inside his bedroom, according to Hill.

Lewis is charged with possession of marijuana. Burney is charged with armed robbery.

Major Hill says additional charges are pending.