A 32-year-old teaching assistant at West Florence High School has been arrested after a month-long series of pranks involving a fecal-odor spray that left students and staff sick, disrupted classes, and caused tens of thousands of dollars in damage.
Alexander Lewis was taken into custody on September 19, 2025, after surveillance footage linked him to the persistent odor that plagued the school beginning August 25. According to investigators, the footage showed Lewis walking through the school’s breezeway and discreetly spraying the substance before slipping the container into his pocket.
Some dismissed the odor as a minor nuisance, but it had serious health impacts. Students reported nausea, headaches, dizziness, and respiratory issues severe enough to warrant medical treatment. One parent told deputies her son’s asthma was triggered multiple times, requiring three doctor visits. Some families kept children home to avoid exposure. Teachers were seen covering their mouths while teaching as the stench persisted through classrooms and hallways.
Investigators said Lewis repeatedly denied wrongdoing, even when shown the video evidence. He claimed he had been using lemon-scented hand sanitizer — a bottle found in his car. Deputies, however, determined he had purchased the offensive spray online, specifically chosen for its resemblance to the smell of feces.
The school’s financial toll has been significant. District officials estimated damages and inspection costs at $55,000, largely due to damage to the air conditioning system and repeated attempts to locate the odor’s source.
Lewis has been charged with two offenses: disturbing schools as a non-student and malicious injury to property exceeding $10,000. At a bond hearing on September 21, a judge set his total bond at $9,090. He posted bond the same afternoon and was released. Court records show his disturbing schools charge is scheduled for an October 15 magistrates’ court hearing, while the malicious property charge will return to the general sessions court on November 19.
The Florence County Sheriff’s Office said the investigation remains ongoing and that Lewis could face additional charges as officials assess the full extent of the disruption.
Assistant Superintendent Kyle Jones has been involved in the case, underscoring the administrative response needed to protect student safety. District leaders say the incident raises broader concerns about how schools handle security, staff conduct, and chemical safety.
“This case is a stark reminder that so-called pranks can have very real consequences,” a sheriff’s office spokesperson said. “The health impacts on students and the financial burden on the district make clear this was far from harmless mischief.”
