October 2, 2025

Teaching Assistant Arrested for Foul Odor Incidents at School

News Summary

Alexander Lewis, a teaching assistant at West Florence High School, was arrested after allegedly spraying a foul odor that sickened students and staff members over several weeks. The stench, intended to mimic feces, caused respiratory issues in students and significant costs for the school district. Investigators showed surveillance footage of Lewis applying the spray, and despite denying involvement, he was detained. The investigation is ongoing, with possible additional charges looming as parents voice their concerns about the health impacts on their children.

Florence, South Carolina – Alexander Lewis, a 32-year-old teaching assistant at West Florence High School, was arrested for allegedly spraying a foul odor that sickened both students and staff members over several weeks. He faces charges of malicious injury to property and disturbing schools as a non-student. The incidents reportedly took place between August 25 and September 19.

Investigators revealed that the unpleasant smell was created by a spray Lewis purchased online, intended to mimic the stench of feces. Surveillance footage captured him walking through the school’s breezeway with the spray canister, applying it near A Hall, the location of his classroom. After using the spray, he reportedly concealed the canister in his pocket.

School authorities were alerted to the foul odor, with some students experiencing respiratory issues necessitating medical attention. As the situation escalated, the school district incurred costs exceeding $55,000 for inspections and repairs associated with the foul odor, which negatively affected the air conditioning system as well.

On the day of his arrest, responding deputies and Assistant Superintendent Kyle Jones confronted Lewis and escorted him to a conference room, where he was informed of his rights and detained. During an interrogation, Lewis denied any involvement in the incidents, despite being shown surveillance video evidence. He claimed he had only used a lemon-scented hand sanitizer, which deputies later discovered in his vehicle.

Numerous complaints from parents surfaced during the ordeal, with many expressing concern for their children’s health as a result of the persistent odor. One mother reported that her daughter had experienced severe reactions due to the smell.

Lewis was assigned a bond hearing set for Saturday, with bail established at just over $9,000. He was able to post bail the same afternoon. The Florence County Sheriff’s Office has indicated that the investigation is ongoing, and Lewis may face additional charges as a result.

In response to the foul odor, the school took 11 significant steps to identify its source. These actions included multiple inspections and comprehensive testing for gas, illustrating the seriousness with which the school administration addressed the situation.

As of now, the school district has not made any public comment regarding either the ongoing investigation or the events that transpired concerning Alexander Lewis.

Background Context

Foul odors in school environments can create not only discomfort but also health concerns for students and staff. Hospitals often urge schools to ensure adequate air quality. Incidents like these underline the importance of a safe and conducive learning environment, emphasizing the need for prompt and effective responses to maintain student health and well-being.

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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.

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