Teacher charged in $55,000 fart spray prank that sent students to hospital

Key Points

A South Carolina teaching assistant was arrested after repeatedly spraying a foul-smelling chemical at a high school
Several students sought medical attention for respiratory issues caused by the odor
Damage to the school’s air system totaled more than $55,000

Florence, SC – A South Carolina teaching assistant is behind bars after investigators say he unleashed a weeks-long fart spray attack inside a high school, sickening students and leaving the district with a massive repair bill.

Deputies with the Florence County Sheriff’s Office arrested 32-year-old Alexander Paul Robertson Lewis on Friday after tracing the noxious odor plaguing West Florence High School back to him. Investigators say Lewis purchased a prank product online designed to mimic the smell of feces and sprayed it around classrooms and hallways between August 25 and September 19.

The stench grew so overwhelming that multiple students sought medical treatment for breathing problems. School officials later discovered that the odor had seeped into the building’s air conditioning system, forcing inspections and repairs that cost more than $55,000.

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Charges and custody

Lewis faces charges of disturbing schools and malicious injury to property exceeding $10,000. Deputies confirmed he was booked into the Florence County Detention Center, where he is awaiting a bond hearing.

Officials said the investigation remains active, and additional charges may follow as they review the extent of the damage.

School disruption

The repeated incidents forced administrators to disrupt classes while crews attempted to locate the source of the smell. According to deputies, the chemical spray was used “on multiple occasions and over time,” creating health and safety risks for students and staff.

The Florence County School District has not yet released a statement about the case or possible disciplinary action against Lewis.

The prank that started with a spray can has now landed a teaching assistant in serious legal trouble.

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