Florence, SC – A Florence County man has been arrested after investigators linked him to a string of foul odors that disrupted classes at West Florence High School, authorities said Saturday.
According to the Florence County Sheriff’s Office, between August 25 and September 19, 2025, Alexander Paul Robertson Lewis, 32, allegedly sprayed a chemical designed to imitate fecal odor inside the school. Investigators say the repeated use of the spray forced students and staff to seek medical attention for respiratory issues and led to significant facility repairs.
The odor also caused widespread disruption to classes and resulted in more than $55,000 in inspection and repair costs to the school’s air conditioning system, deputies said.
Lewis, who was employed as a teaching assistant at the school, was arrested on September 19. He is charged with disturbing schools (non-student) and malicious injury to property exceeding $10,000. He is being held at the Florence County Detention Center while awaiting a bond hearing, according to the sheriff’s office.
Officials noted that the investigation remains active and additional charges could follow.
Residents expressed concern on social media, with many asking how long the odor issue will continue and what further safety measures will be taken at area schools.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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