Florence, S.C., September 22, 2025
News Summary
A teaching assistant at West Florence High School has been arrested after allegedly creating a foul odor that caused health issues among students. Alexander Paul Robertson Lewis, 32, faces multiple charges including disturbing schools and malicious injury to property. The incident, which involved the use of a substance meant to imitate fecal matter, led to severe disruptions and health complications for students. Costs for inspections and repairs related to the odor have reached approximately $55,000. Lewis is currently held at the Florence County Detention Center.
Florence, S.C. – Teaching Assistant Arrested for Creating Foul Odor at West Florence High School
Alexander Paul Robertson Lewis, a 32-year-old teaching assistant at West Florence High School, has been arrested on multiple charges following a series of complaints regarding a mysterious and foul odor permeating the school premises. The incident, which originated on August 25 and continued until September 19, has raised significant health concerns among students and staff.
Lewis is facing charges of disturbing schools (non-student) and malicious injury to property valued at $10,000 or more. Authorities allege that Lewis sprayed a substance, procured from the internet, designed to emulate the smell of fecal matter at the school. As a result of these actions, the school experienced severe disruptions leading to students suffering from symptoms like nausea, dizziness, headaches, and other respiratory issues.
Reports indicate that some students required medical attention due to respiratory complications attributed to the noxious odor. In response to the situation, parents expressed their concerns seriously enough to keep their children home from school.
In the aftermath of the incident, the school incurred costs amounting to approximately $55,000 for inspections and necessary repairs to its air conditioning system, which was affected by the foul smell. The ongoing investigation into Lewis’s actions may lead to additional charges as authorities continue to assess the full scope of the impact caused by his behavior.
Currently, Lewis is held at the Florence County Detention Center, awaiting a bond hearing. His bond for the charge of malicious injury to property is set at $8,000, with a return date to general sessions court on November 19. The charge for disturbing schools carries a bond set at $1,090, scheduled to be addressed in Florence magistrates’ court on October 15.
Background Context
This latest incident has highlighted concerns about safety and health in educational environments. The creation of such disturbances not only disrupts the daily operations of schools but also raises broader questions regarding the mental and physical well-being of students and staff members. Following complaints and health issues resulting from the foul odor, the school administration took swift action to identify the source, ultimately leading to Lewis’s arrest.
As the investigation remains ongoing, the school hopes to restore a sense of normalcy and safety for its students, faculty, and the broader community while addressing the concerns raised throughout this unsettling episode.
FAQ Section
What charges is Alexander Paul Robertson Lewis facing?
Lewis is charged with disturbing schools (non-student) and malicious injury to property worth $10,000 or more.
What was the cause of the foul odor at West Florence High School?
The odor was allegedly created by Lewis spraying a substance designed to imitate fecal matter.
How long did the odor problem persist at the school?
The foul odor was reported multiple times from August 25 to September 19.
What health issues did students face due to the odor?
Students experienced symptoms including nausea, dizziness, headaches, and respiratory issues, with some requiring medical attention.
What are the estimated costs incurred by the school due to this incident?
The school reported approximately $55,000 in costs related to inspections and damage repair to its air conditioning system.
What are the bond amounts set for Lewis?
Lewis’s bond for malicious injury to property is set at $8,000, and for disturbing schools, it is set at $1,090.
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Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Individual Involved | Alexander Paul Robertson Lewis |
| Age | 32 years |
| School | West Florence High School |
| Charges | Disturbing schools, malicious injury to property |
| Implicated Substance | Internet-acquired fecal matter simulator |
| Duration of Incidents | August 25 – September 19 |
| Health Issues | Nausea, dizziness, headaches, respiratory problems |
| School Costs | $55,000 for inspections and repairs |
| Bonds Set | $8,000 for malicious injury, $1,090 for interfering with schools |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Teaching Assistant Arrested for Disruptive Foul Odor at School
Teaching Assistant Arrested for Disturbing School Environment
Teaching Assistant Arrested for School Disturbances in Florence
Teaching Assistant Arrested for Disruptive Odor at High School
Teaching Assistant Arrested for Disturbing School Environment
Additional Resources
- WPDE: Teaching Assistant Arrested for Creating Foul Odor
- Wikipedia: School Safety
- WISTV: Florence Man Facing Charges
- Google Search: High School Odor Incidents
- Post and Courier: West Florence High School Odor Incident
- Encyclopedia Britannica: School Health and Safety
- Upper Michigan’s Source: Teaching Assistant Charged
- 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.
