Florence, South Carolina, September 24, 2025
News Summary
A 32-year-old teaching assistant at West Florence High School has been arrested for allegedly spraying a foul-smelling product, resulting in student illnesses and extensive damages. The odor caused symptoms such as nausea and dizziness among students, leading to medical interventions and a costly investigation. Lewis faces felony and misdemeanor charges as concern over student safety rises.
Florence, South Carolina: Teaching Assistant Arrested for Spraying Foul Odor at West Florence High School, Leading to Student Illnesses and Over $55,000 in Damages
Alexander Paul Roberts Lewis, a 32-year-old teaching assistant at West Florence High School, was arrested by the Florence County Sheriff’s Office for reportedly spraying a product designed to imitate fecal odor inside the school. The incidents allegedly occurred multiple times between August 25 and September 19, resulting in a series of alarming reactions among students.
The foul odor caused numerous students to experience symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, and headaches. These health concerns forced some students to be removed from the school premises for medical attention. A parent expressed their frustration regarding why Lewis continued to spray the odor even after students became ill.
The school administration responded quickly by launching a month-long investigation to identify the source of the offensive smell. This comprehensive investigation included several steps: testing for gas leaks, opening walls, and inspecting sewer lines. Ultimately, the investigation involved five different entities and was expensive, totaling over $55,000, which covered inspections and damages to the school’s air conditioning system.
In light of his actions, Lewis faces a felony charge of malicious injury to property, estimated at $10,000 or more, as well as a misdemeanor charge for disturbing schools. He has been taken into custody at the Florence County Detention Center, where his bond for the felony charge is set at $8,000. His next court appearance is scheduled for general sessions court on November 19 at 9 a.m. Additionally, the bond for the disturbing schools charge is set at $1,090, which is returnable to the Florence magistrates’ court on October 15 at 10 a.m.
The school administration has kept parents informed about the progress of the investigation and the measures taken to resolve the issue. Concerns about student health remain prominent, with one parent reporting that her daughter suffered a severe reaction to the smell and was worried about potential carbon monoxide exposure. As a precaution, she had her child’s carbon monoxide levels checked.
Meanwhile, the investigation into Lewis’s actions is ongoing and may result in additional charges as more information becomes available. This incident has heightened awareness around safety issues in schools, prompting discussions about staff qualifications and student wellbeing.
In unrelated news, a South Carolina teacher aide recently filed a federal lawsuit over her termination related to a social media post regarding Charlie Kirk’s death. Additionally, at Lakeside High School, students staged a walkout in support of a teacher who was arrested the previous Wednesday, demonstrating broader issues within the educational institutions in the area.
Key Developments
- Lewis is accused of spraying a foul-smelling product on multiple occasions, causing illness among students.
- The investigation took a month and cost over $55,000, involving inspections and repairs.
- Legal charges include felony malicious injury to property and misdemeanor disturbing schools.
- Parents are increasingly concerned for their children’s health and safety within the school environment.
Background Context
Incidents of inappropriate conduct involving teaching staff can have significant repercussions for schools and students. The recent actions by Lewis have led to heightened scrutiny over the safety protocols in place within educational institutions. Schools continually strive to create a safe and supportive environment for both students and staff. The incident at West Florence High School exemplifies the challenges schools face when managing the wellbeing of their students while ensuring proper conduct from faculty members.
Frequently Asked Questions
What charges has Alexander Paul Roberts Lewis faced?
Lewis faces a felony charge of malicious injury to property valued at $10,000 or more and a misdemeanor charge for disturbing schools.
What symptoms did students experience from the foul odor?
Students reported symptoms including nausea, dizziness, and headaches, with some requiring medical attention.
How much did the investigation cost?
The investigation carried out by the school and associated entities cost over $55,000 in total.
When is Lewis’s court appearance?
Lewis is scheduled to appear in general sessions court on November 19 at 9 a.m. for the felony charge, and at Florence magistrates’ court on October 15 at 10 a.m. for the misdemeanor charge.
Chart: Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Accused | Alexander Paul Roberts Lewis, 32 |
| Charges | Felony malicious injury to property, misdemeanor disturbing schools |
| Symptoms Reported | Nausea, dizziness, headaches |
| Investigation Cost | Over $55,000 |
| Next Court Dates | November 19 and October 15 |
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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.
