A teaching assistant has been taken into custody after a string of disruptions at a high school, where a strange odor lingered on campus for weeks.
Alexander Lewis, 32, is now facing charges of disturbing schools and malicious injury to property after investigators say he repeatedly used a spray that produced the smell of feces.
Deputies reported that Lewis ordered the spray online and deployed it several times between Aug. 25 and Sept. 19, sparking major interruptions. The stench was so strong that students and staff complained of nausea, dizziness, and headaches, while the district spent nearly $55,000 on inspections and air conditioning system repairs.
“My son has, his asthma has been triggered multiple times because of this and I had to take him to the doctor three times,” said one parent.
Back in August, the district had reassured parents through email that checks of the school’s gas lines, propane systems, and air quality showed no danger. Now, officials believe the odor was deliberately caused by Lewis.
In court, a judge set his bond at just over $9,000. The malicious injury to property case will be heard in general sessions court on Nov. 19, with bond set at $8,000. The charge of interfering with schools is scheduled for Florence Magistrates Court on Oct. 15, carrying a bond of $1,090.
Authorities have also noted that more charges against Lewis could be filed as the investigation continues.
