South Carolina Teacher Arrested For Spraying Foul-Smelling Substance In School

A 32-year-old assistant teacher in South Carolina has been arrested for allegedly spraying a foul-smelling substance throughout West Florence High School, sickening students and causing over $55,000 in damages.

Authorities say the suspect, identified as Alexander Paul Robertson Lewis, sprayed the substance — designed to smell like feces — multiple times between August 25 and September 19, leaving school officials puzzled over the persistent odor.

According to the Florence County Sheriff’s Office, the chemical caused significant disruption, with several students requiring medical attention for nausea, dizziness, headaches, and respiratory issues. The school also spent tens of thousands of dollars inspecting and repairing its air conditioning system due to the contamination.

Investigators say Lewis purchased the spray online and used it repeatedly over several weeks.

Lewis was arrested on Friday, September 19, and charged with disturbing schools and malicious injury to property exceeding $10,000. He is being held at Florence County Jail on $9,090 bond.

Parents and students told local news outlet WPDE that the odor had made daily life unbearable. “Every time I go to my second block class, I walk up the stairwell and immediately, teachers are covering their noses and coughing because of the smell,” one student said. “I got physically sick the other day. I felt like I was going to pass out.”

Sheriff’s officials confirmed the investigation is ongoing and additional charges may follow.