A Florida middle school principal is under fire after being arrested for attempting to shoplift items using a self-checkout scam he claimed friends had recommended.
Gregory Lewis, principal of Bok Academy North in Lake Wales, was taken into custody Saturday at a Walmart in Winter Haven after a store security officer spotted him using a method commonly referred to as “skip scanning.” According to police, Lewis placed a cheap item—disposable foam plates—over more expensive goods in an attempt to only pay for the cheaper product.
The incident, which was captured on body camera footage and later confirmed by an arrest affidavit from the Winter Haven Police Department, involved Lewis trying to steal a large pack of light bulbs, bacon and frozen butterfly shrimp. The total value of the unpaid merchandise was $37.45, according to WFLA.
Following his arrest, Lewis admitted to the theft and told the Winter Haven police officer that he had been encouraged by friends to try the tactic.
“We sit around talking, ‘Hey I did this.’ Let me try and see what I can get away with,” he said, according to the New York Post.
“I did something dumb today and I understand it.”
Lewis assumed the role of principal at Bok Tower North in August 2024, according to WFLA. Interim Superintendent Alricky Smith of Lake Wales Charter Schools confirmed Lewis has been placed on administrative leave while the incident is under review.
In a letter to trustees, Smith said he could not comment further on next steps as the matter remains ongoing.
The arrest has sparked concern within the local education community. Retired Polk County teacher James Barker expressed frustration over the message such behavior sends to students and the public.
“He’s the principal of the school and now he’s been caught doing this, so what example does he set for the kids?” Barker said. “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.”
While the self-checkout method Lewis allegedly attempted is not new, it is uncommon for school leaders to be involved in such crimes. Law enforcement and school officials alike have been left grappling with the optics and implications of the situation.
This isn’t the first time a school principal has drawn public backlash for underpaying at a store. In a similar case last year, a Japanese principal was fired after he poured himself a large coffee but only paid for a regular-size cup at a convenience store.
While the store chose not to press charges, the Hyogo Prefectural Board of Education terminated his employment for “gross misconduct unbecoming of an educational public servant,” according to The Post.
As a result, the Japanese principal lost his retirement payout, which was estimated at $133,000. The episode sent shockwaves through Japan’s education system, drawing harsh criticism from parents and officials.
The Polk County School District has not yet announced what disciplinary action, if any, will be taken against Lewis following the completion of the school board’s review.
