Gerrard Kaonga
A teaching assistant was arrested in South Carolina for allegedly releasing a spray that mimicked the smell of s*** at school.
In a rather odd story, 32-year-old Alexander Lewis of Florence High School in Florence, South Carolina, was arrested after a school became aware of alleged antics over a few weeks.
Police claimed that Lewis had purchased the spray on the internet and his actions had cost the school an eye-watering $55,000.
Authorities believe that the spray was used between August 25 and September 19, and an investigation was launched when school kids began complaining of the issue.
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The air conditioning system is what shot the costs of damage up, as it is now in need of a repair job.
Alexander is now expected to appear in Florence Magistrates Court for a school disruption charge on October 15, followed by a November 19 hearing in general sessions court for the malicious injury to property charge.
Part of the County Sheriff's Office announcement reads: "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 ABC 15 News report revealed how authorities were led to the teaching assistant as a suspect.
Deputies have said surveillance footage showed Lewis walking with the spray through the school’s breezeways and also showed him spraying something while approaching A Hall, where his classroom is located.
He is then seen slipping the item into his pocket.
When he was detained and allowed, officials searched his personal items and car; and the spray suspected of being used was found.
When Lewis was detained and questioned, he was also shown the video surveillance and an incident report stated that he denied knowing what was going on.
He repeatedly claimed he sprayed a lemon-scented hand sanitizer and deputies said they found that sanitizer in the door compartment of Lewis’s car.
If he's found guilty of malicious injury to the property front, Alexander faces at least $10,000 in fines.