Florence SC, September 21, 2025
News Summary
A teaching assistant at West Florence High School has been arrested after complaints of a strong gas-like odor affected students’ health, leading to nausea and dizziness. Alexander Paul Roberts Lewis faces charges of disturbing schools and malicious injury to property, with damages costing the school about $55,000. Lewis allegedly sprayed a fecal odor imitation spray multiple times before his arrest. Parents expressed concerns over inadequate responses from the school district regarding the issue.
Florence – Teaching Assistant Arrested for Disruptive Foul Odor at West Florence High School
Alexander Paul Roberts Lewis, a 32-year-old teaching assistant at West Florence High School, was arrested on September 19 by the Florence County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) following numerous complaints from students and parents regarding a strong, gas-like odor permeating the school environment. The odor was so severe that it resulted in physical symptoms among students and prompted some parents to keep their children home from school.
Lewis has been charged with disturbing schools (non-student) and malicious injury to property valued at $10,000 or more. Notably, the odor has caused children to experience nausea, dizziness, headaches, and in some cases, required medical attention for respiratory problems.
According to reports, Lewis allegedly used a fecal odor imitation spray that he purchased online, spraying it on multiple occasions between August 25 and September 19. The impact of his actions led to West Florence High School incurring significant costs, estimated at approximately $55,000, for air conditioning inspections and damage repairs linked to these disturbances.
Lewis is currently detained at the Florence County Detention Center awaiting bond hearings. His bond for the malicious injury to property charge is set at $8,000, and he is scheduled to appear in general sessions court on November 19 at 9 a.m. Additionally, his bond for the interference with schools charge is set at $1,090, with a return date in Florence magistrates’ court on October 15 at 10 a.m. As the investigation continues, further charges against Lewis may be added.
Parents had previously reached out to the school district multiple times concerning the foul odor, but many reported receiving inadequate responses. One parent expressed particular concern, noting that the offensive smell exacerbated her child’s asthma condition, leading to increased medical visits and complications in managing his inhaler.
Authorities are taking these matters seriously as they aim to ensure the safety and well-being of students in the affected environment at West Florence High School.
Key Incidents and Impacts
- Date of arrest: September 19
- Charges: disturbing schools (non-student), malicious injury to property
- Number of times odor was reportedly sprayed: multiple times between August 25 and September 19
- Estimated costs due to odor disruption: $55,000
- Medical issues reported: nausea, dizziness, headaches, respiratory problems
- Detention Center: Florence County Detention Center
FAQs
- What led to the arrest of Alexander Paul Roberts Lewis?
- Lewis was arrested following complaints of a strong gas-like odor at West Florence High School, which caused numerous health issues among students.
- What charges has Lewis faced?
- Lewis has been charged with disturbing schools (non-student) and malicious injury to property valued at $10,000 or more.
- How much did the disruptions cost the school?
- The school incurred about $55,000 in expenses due to inspections and damage to the air conditioning system.
- What symptoms did students report experiencing from the odor?
- Students reported experiencing nausea, dizziness, headaches, and respiratory issues.
- What bond has Lewis been set for his charges?
- His bond for malicious injury to property is set at $8,000, and for interference with schools, it is set at $1,090.
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Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of Incident | August 25 – September 19 |
| Charges | Disturbing schools, malicious injury to property |
| Odor Source | Fecal odor imitation spray |
| Health Issues | Nausea, dizziness, headaches, respiratory issues |
| School Costs | $55,000 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Teaching Assistant Arrested for Disruptive Odor at High School
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Arrest Made After Human Remains Found in Lake City
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Additional Resources
- WPDE: Teaching Assistant Arrested for Foul Odor
- WMBF News: Man Killed in Florence County Shooting
- WRDW: SC Man Facing Charges for Using Poop Spray
- The State: Local Crime News
- Count on 2: Florence County Coroner News
- Wikipedia: School Discipline
- Google Search: School Safety
- Google Scholar: Malicious Injury to Property
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Disruptive Behavior
- Google News: Florence High School Odor
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.
