A Florida middle school principal is facing backlash after being accused of shoplifting at a Walmart, blaming peer pressure for his actions.
Gregory Lewis, 54, was arrested Saturday at a Walmart in Winter Haven for allegedly using a self-checkout scam known as “skip-scanning,” where only select items are scanned while others are intentionally skipped.
According to police, Lewis placed a bag of foam plates between pricier items—like bacon, frozen butterfly shrimp, and a large pack of light bulbs—avoiding payment for a total of $37.45 worth of merchandise.
Walmart employees noticed the suspicious behavior and alerted authorities. When questioned, Lewis admitted to the theft, explaining to officers that he was influenced by friends who had done the same thing. “We sit around talking, ‘Hey, I did this,’” Lewis said in body cam footage. “Let me try and see what I can get away with.” He added, “I did something dumb today and I understand it.”
Authorities noted that this wasn’t his first time using the trick at that Walmart.
Lewis was booked into the Polk County Jail on a charge of petit theft and released the next day after posting a $250 bond. His mugshot shows him in an orange jumpsuit, appearing dazed.
Officials confirmed that Lewis is no longer employed at the Lake Wales school. He was hired as the principal of Edward W. Bok Academy North in August 2024. Interim superintendent Alricky Smith declined further comment. It remains unclear whether Lewis was fired or resigned. When approached, he declined to speak with reporters.
The incident has raised eyebrows in the community, with many stunned by the principal’s explanation and poor judgment.
