Florence, South Carolina, September 24, 2025
News Summary
A teaching assistant at West Florence High School, Alexander Paul Robertson Lewis, has been arrested for using a foul-smelling spray to disrupt classes. The incidents, which lasted several weeks, led to complaints from students and faculty about headaches and nausea, resulting in significant costs for inspections and repairs. Lewis is currently in custody, and the investigation continues, with additional charges possible.
Florence, South Carolina – A teaching assistant at West Florence High School, Alexander Paul Robertson Lewis, 32, has been arrested and charged with disturbing schools and malicious injury to property following an unusual string of incidents involving a foul-smelling spray. Allegations indicate that Lewis used a product designed to mimic the odor of feces, which he purchased online, to create disturbances on school grounds.
The incidents are reported to have occurred between August 25 and September 19, 2023. During this time, numerous complaints were filed by students and faculty regarding the unpleasant smell, which led to symptoms such as headaches, nausea, and dizziness. Some students even required medical attention due to respiratory issues linked to exposure to the noxious spray.
In response to the complaints, the Florence County School District conducted inspections of both gas lines and air quality within the school premises. In an email sent to parents in August, officials noted that their investigations did not uncover any dangerous substances. However, substantial damages were incurred as a result of the disruptions, with the school district reporting nearly $55,000 spent on inspections and necessary repairs to the air conditioning system.
As a result of the ongoing investigation, Lewis remains in custody at the Florence County Detention Center, where his bond has been set at just over $9,000. The investigation by the Florence County Sheriff’s Office is still underway, and authorities have indicated that additional charges may be filed against Lewis as more details emerge.
This incident is not isolated, as similar pranks involving foul-smelling sprays have been reported in other educational institutions across the country. In particular, a similar prank was noted in Texas earlier this year, where two teenage boys faced consequences for their actions involving such a spray.
Incident Overview
- Suspect: Alexander Paul Robertson Lewis, 32
- Position: Teaching assistant at West Florence High School
- Charges: Disturbing schools, malicious injury to property
- Incident Duration: August 25 – September 19, 2023
- Symptoms Reported: Headaches, nausea, dizziness, respiratory issues
- Costs Incurred: $55,000 for inspections and repairs
- Custody Status: Held at Florence County Detention Center; bond set at $9,000
Background Information
This incident raises concerns regarding safety and the well-being of students in educational environments. School officials have taken action to protect the health of the students, and the swift response of the Florence County Sheriff’s Office represents a commitment to maintaining order in local schools. Significantly, pranks involving noxious odors have shown to be more frequent across various states, prompting discussions on the implications of such disruptive actions in learning institutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What charges has Alexander Paul Robertson Lewis faced?
Lewis has been charged with disturbing schools and malicious injury to property.
When did the incidents occur?
The reported incidents took place between August 25 and September 19, 2023.
What symptoms did students and staff report?
Reported symptoms included headaches, nausea, dizziness, and respiratory issues.
How much did the school district spend on inspections and repairs?
The Florence County School District incurred costs totaling nearly $55,000 for inspections and necessary repairs to the air conditioning system.
Is the investigation still ongoing?
Yes, the Florence County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the incident, and additional charges could be filed against Lewis.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Suspect | Alexander Paul Robertson Lewis, 32 |
| School | West Florence High School |
| Date Range | August 25 – September 19, 2023 |
| Charges | Disturbing schools, Malicious injury to property |
| Health Issues Reported | Headaches, dizziness, nausea, respiratory complaints |
| Cost of Disruption | $55,000 |
| Custody Status | Held at the Florence County Detention Center, Bond: $9,000 |
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Additional Resources
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.
