Florence, September 21, 2025

News Summary

Alexander Paul Robertson Lewis, a 32-year-old teaching assistant at West Florence High School, was arrested for allegedly spraying a substance that mimicked fecal odor, leading to significant health issues among students. The disruption caused by the foul odor resulted in over $55,000 in damages for the school district. Parents expressed concerns about the communication regarding their children’s health. Lewis faces charges of disturbing schools and malicious injury to property, and the investigation is ongoing.

Florence

A 32-year-old teaching assistant at West Florence High School, Alexander Paul Robertson Lewis, was arrested on September 19 by the Florence County Sheriff’s Office for allegedly creating a foul odor that disrupted the school environment. Lewis reportedly sprayed a substance designed to imitate fecal odor, which he purchased online, multiple times from August 25 to September 19.

The foul smell caused significant problems at West Florence High School, leading to health issues among students requiring medical attention for respiratory problems. Reports indicate that several students experienced symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, and headaches due to the odor.

In response to these disruptions, the school district incurred expenses exceeding $55,000 related to inspections and necessary repairs to the air conditioning system, which was damaged by the odor. Despite a thorough inspection that included evaluations of gas lines, propane systems, and air quality, the school district confirmed no dangerous findings were detected. Nevertheless, the lingering smell prompted parents to express frustration at the district for what they saw as a lack of communication regarding the potential health impacts on their children.

Amanda Williams, a concerned parent, stated that the odor aggravated her son’s asthma condition, leading to multiple visits to the doctor and a need for increased inhaler use. As a result of the incidents, Lewis faces charges of disturbing schools as a non-student and malicious injury to property valued at $10,000 or more. He is currently being held at the Florence County Detention Center while awaiting a bond hearing. The investigation into Lewis’s actions is still ongoing, and additional charges may be considered.

This unusual and troubling incident at West Florence High School highlights ongoing concerns for student safety and well-being, as well as the need for effective communication between school administrations and parents regarding health-related issues. As the community continues to process the events, the focus will inevitably shift toward the resolution of Lewis’s case and the preventive measures that the school might adopt to avoid similar incidents in the future.

Overview of Events

• Incident Date: August 25 – September 19
• Location: West Florence High School
• Arrest Date: September 19
• Charges: Disturbing schools, malicious injury to property
• Estimated Damages: $55,000+
• Student Symptoms: Nausea, dizziness, headaches, asthma exacerbation
• Investigation Status: Ongoing

Background and Community Impact

This case serves as a stark reminder of the responsibilities educators hold and the potential consequences of their actions. The disturbance not only impacted the physical environment of West Florence High School but also raised alarms about student health and welfare, prompting parents to seek clearer communication from school officials. Moving forward, it will be crucial for both the school administration and the community to work collaboratively to address these concerns and reinforce a safe learning atmosphere.

FAQ

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Additional Resources

• WPDE: West Florence High School Gas Smell
• WMBF News: FCSO Man Arrested in School Odor Case
• Post and Courier: West Florence High School Odor Arrest
• WACH: Teaching Assistant Arrested for Foul Odor
• Wikipedia: Asthma
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Respiratory System

Author: STAFF HERE FLORENCE WRITER

FLORENCE STAFF WRITER The FLORENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREFlorence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Florence, Florence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Florence Festival of Lights, Pee Dee Pride, and agricultural expos at the Florence Center. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Florence Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Pee Dee Area Council of Governments, plus leading businesses in healthcare and retail that power the local economy such as McLeod Health and Pee Dee Electric Cooperative. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharleston.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGreenville.com, and HEREHiltonHead.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.