Teacher Assistant Alexander Lewis Arrested for Allegedly Releasing Unpleasant Odor at West Florence High School

A South Carolina teaching assistant was arrested following a string of disturbances at a high school.

The arrest comes after complaints of a mysterious smell that later revealed the suspect allegedly used “poop” spray inside the school.

Alexander Lewis, 32, was charged with disturbing schools and malicious injury to property.

Deputies say Lewis, a teaching assistant at West Florence High School used a spray he bought online to mimic the smell of feces.

Authorities suspect that he used the spray on several occasions between August 25th and September 19th, causing disruptions to classes, health problems, and accruing almost $55,000 in damages related to inspections and air conditioning systems for the district.

Lewis’ total bond was set at just over $9,000 by the judge.

For weeks, students and staff reported headaches, nausea, and dizziness from what they described as a strong, gas-like smell.

“My [son’s] asthma has been triggered multiple times because of this, and I had to take him to the doctor three times,” one parent said.

In August, the district communicated with parents via email to inform them that the high school’s gas lines, propane systems, and air quality had been inspected and that no hazards were detected.