A middle school principal accused of stealing at the self-checkout has been arrested by police in Florida. Edward W. Bok Academy North Principal Gregory Lewis allegedly tried “skip scanning” at a Winter Haven Walmart store. Loss prevention staff reportedly jumped in and busted him before he left. The incident occurred on March 29, 2025, around 1:30 p.m. Officers from the Winter Haven Police Department arrived a short time later.
A loss prevention associate at the store detailed the allegations. According to WFLA, Lewis allegedly put a bag of disposable foam plates between higher-priced items. Police commonly refer to the trick as skip scanning. Per an arrest affidavit obtained by WFLA, Lewis allegedly admitted to the deception and said that he had done it before.
“We sit around talking, ‘Hey I did this.’ Let me try and see what I can get away with,” Lewis reportedly told a police officer wearing a body-cam. “I did something dumb today and I understand it.”
Court documents revealed Lewis allegedly attempted to steal a package of lightbulbs, bacon, and frozen shrimp totaling $37.45, WFLA reported.
Retired Polk County teacher James Barker told WFLA, “Unfortunately, it’s turning our profession into a sad situation. More and more people are doing just stupid things without any regard to the consequences not only for themselves but the reputation of our profession.”
Barker added, “He’s the principal of the school and now he’s been caught doing this, so what example does he set for the kids?”
Per a letter to trustees obtained by the New York Post, the district placed Lewis on administrative leave pending an investigation. “At this time, I am unable to provide any comments on the next steps, as this matter is ongoing,” Lake Wales Charter Schools Interim Superintendent Alricky Smith wrote.
WFLA reported police arrested Lewis, booking him on a petit theft charge in the Polk County Jail.
According to an Instagram post from August 1, 2024, this is Lewis’ first year as principal at the academy. The school shared a photo of him with the caption, “Edward W. Bok Academy North is proud to introduce our new principal, Mr. Greg Lewis. Please join us in welcoming him to our Knight family. We are excited to begin the 2024-2025 school year with him leading the charge. Go Knights!”
