In high school, the teachers who let loose a little were always the kids’ favorites. We had a few of them at my school, and it made a huge difference in all of our lives. But sometimes, it goes a little too far — and that certainly seems to be the case with 32-year-old South Carolina teaching assistant Alexander Paul Robertson Lewis.
Lewis allegedly caused more than $55,000 in damages by repeatedly spraying a Florence County high school with a poop-smelling spray over the course of more than a month, according to ABC News and NBC News.
The Florence County Sheriff’s Office released a statement on Facebook explaining that the teaching assistant’s “harmless” prank was anything but.
“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 air conditioning system,” the statement reads. “The investigation into this matter is ongoing and additional charges are possible.”
Public reaction has ranged from bewildered to outraged.
“Unreal to me a grown man would do this,” wrote one Facebook user.
“He’s supposed to be an adult and a positive influence on children! Doesn’t sound like he’s a responsible adult,” added another.
Still, others thought authorities were taking things too seriously. “So we’re so petty that we’re arresting people for ‘fake spray farts’?” joked one commenter.
“How did they catch him? Just let him go and let the kids have a good laugh. The best prank ever,” shared another person.
No motive has been revealed. Lewis is being held at the Florence County Jail on charges of disturbing schools and malicious injury to property with a value over $10,000, per ABC News. He is being held on a $9,090 bond.
