A high school teaching assistant has landed in hot water after a bizarre prank caused massive damage to school property.
Alexander Lewis, who works at Florence High School in South Carolina, was arrested and charged with malicious injury to property for repeatedly setting off a foul-smelling spray across campus. Authorities described the substance as an “internet-bought spray designed to mimic the stench of feces.”
The stunt ended up being anything but harmless fun — the lingering smell sparked health concerns, triggered inspections of the school’s gas and air systems, and ultimately caused $55,000 worth of damage to the air conditioning system.
According to police, the prank was carried out multiple times between August 25 and September 19 before officials finally tracked down the culprit. Lewis is now facing charges and is expected to appear in court next month.
Alexander Lewis was taken into custody last week, facing two criminal charges linked to a fart spray prank. (WPDE/CNN Newsource)
Alexander Lewis’s classroom prank has taken a serious turn — leaving several students in need of medical attention. One parent told WKRC that their son’s asthma was repeatedly triggered by the lingering fumes: “I had to take him to the doctor three times,” they revealed.
It remains unclear how the 32-year-old was eventually identified, but he was arrested on September 19 and booked into the Florence County Corrections Facility on a $9,000 bond before being released the following day.
Lewis is now scheduled to appear in Florence Magistrates Court on October 15 for a charge of school disruption, with a second hearing set for November 19 in general sessions court for malicious injury to property.
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According to the Florence County Sheriff’s Office, Lewis is accused of using a foul-smelling spray — purchased online and designed to mimic the stench of feces — on multiple occasions between August 25 and September 19. Investigators say the prank caused significant disruption, triggered respiratory issues among students, and left the school with more than $55,000 in inspection and air conditioning repair costs.
The investigation remains ongoing, and officials note that additional charges could still be filed. If convicted of malicious injury to property, Lewis faces fines of at least $10,000.
The South Carolina high school where the 32-year-old worked as a teaching assistant (ABC7 News).
As the case made headlines, the online reaction was swift — and split. Many couldn’t help but laugh at the absurdity of the situation, while others welcomed the arrest and called for accountability. One commenter wrote: “Glad they found the source… hopefully he’ll be ordered to pay back that $55,000 that was spent looking for the issue.” Another was less forgiving, adding: “Some people never grow up — what a waste of taxpayers’ money!” And then came a more unusual take, with one user speculating: “I bet this wasn’t a prank… it was payback. I’m willing to bet he was bullied in some way, either by students or staff, and he wanted them to suffer.”
Featured Image Credit: Florence County Sheriff’s Office – South Carolina
