A teaching assistant in South Carolina has been arrested for allegedly using a spray that replicated the smell of feces at a school.
Alexander Lewis, 32, associated with Florence High School in Florence, South Carolina, was taken into custody after the school authorities noticed unusual activities reportedly spanning several weeks.
According to police, Lewis acquired the spray online, leading to expenses amounting to $55,000 for the school.
The alleged incidents occurred between August 25 and September 19, prompting an investigation after students began reporting the issue.
The school’s air conditioning system suffered damage, which significantly contributed to the high repair costs.
Lewis is scheduled to appear in Florence Magistrates Court on October 15 for a charge related to school disruption and will face a hearing on November 19 in general sessions court concerning the malicious injury to property charge.
The County Sheriff’s Office released a statement saying: “Between the dates of August 25 and September 19, 2025, Alexander Paul Robertson Lewis, a teaching assistant to West Florence High School, is alleged to have sprayed an internet-acquired spray designed to imitate fecal odor at the school.
“Investigators allege that Lewis used the spray on multiple occasions and over time, resulting in a disruption of the school, children requiring medical attention for respiratory issues and requiring the school to incur an expenditure of over $55,000 for inspection and damage to the school’s air conditioning system. The investigation into this matter is ongoing and additional charges are possible.”
An investigation by ABC 15 News detailed how officials identified the teaching assistant as a suspect.
Authorities reported that surveillance footage captured Lewis carrying the spray through the school’s breezeways and spraying it near A Hall, where his classroom is situated.
He was observed putting the item into his pocket afterward.
Upon his detention, a search of his belongings and vehicle revealed the suspected spray.
When questioned, Lewis was shown the surveillance video, but he claimed ignorance of the situation.
He insisted on having used a lemon-scented hand sanitizer, which deputies found in his car’s door compartment.
If convicted of the malicious injury charge, Lewis could face fines of at least $10,000.