A person in a position of trust setting quite the example. A Florida middle school principal who attempted to steal $37 worth of groceries using a “skip scanning” technique has been arrested and placed on administrative leave. Gregory Lewis used “skip scanning” at self-checkout to conceal more expensive items beneath cheaper ones. Lewis has been placed on administrative leave by Lake Wales Charter Schools pending review.
Principal Caught in the Act at Self-Checkout
Gregory Lewis, who has served as principal of Bok Academy North since August 2024, was arrested for petit theft after allegedly attempting to steal items valued at $37.45 from a Walmart in Winter Haven, Polk County. According to police reports, Lewis employed a “skip scanning” tactic at the self-checkout lane, placing cheaper items over more expensive ones to avoid paying the full price. The stolen merchandise included light bulbs, bacon, and frozen shrimp.
When confronted by store security, Lewis immediately acknowledged his wrongdoing. He was subsequently booked into the Polk County Jail and charged with petit theft. Lake Wales Charter Schools promptly placed Lewis on administrative leave pending a comprehensive review of the situation, raising questions about his future in educational administration and the message his actions send to students.
Middle school principal in Florida was arrested and is facing charges after shoplifting from a Walmart. He allegedly tried to hide items to steal while doing self checkout. pic.twitter.com/sy2kuBy6ab
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) April 3, 2025
Damage to Educational Reputation
The arrest has sparked significant concern among educators and parents about the example being set for students. James Barker, a retired teacher interviewed about the incident, expressed dismay over the impact such behavior has on the educational profession as a whole. The incident raises important questions about the character requirements for those in positions of educational leadership and the vetting processes for school administrators.
“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 also for the reputation of our profession.” James Barker
This is not an isolated incident in educational leadership. A similar case occurred in Japan, where a principal was fired for underpaying for coffee. These ethical lapses in judgment from educational leaders undermine trust in the very institutions responsible for instilling values and moral principles in students. When those tasked with guiding young minds fail to adhere to basic ethical standards, it creates a troubling precedent.
NEW: Middle school principal accused of "skip scanning" and stealing at Walmart self-checkout
Gregory Lewis, 54, was arrested for using a self-checkout trick called "skip-scanning."
He stole light bulbs, bacon, and frozen butterfly shrimp worth $37.45, per affidavit
The… pic.twitter.com/sEjQiH7TpD
— Unlimited L's (@unlimited_ls) April 2, 2025
A Pattern of Concerning Behavior
Lewis’s case points to a potentially broader issue within educational leadership. When confronted, Lewis reportedly told authorities, “I did something dumb today, and I understand it,” acknowledging that he was trying a technique friends had told him about. This cavalier attitude toward theft from someone in a position of authority raises significant red flags about judgment and character.
Even more troubling is a similar but more serious case involving Edward John Abernathy, an elementary school principal in Pasco County, who was arrested for allegedly stealing $900 from a mentally handicapped 9-year-old student. According to reports, the child brought $2,100 of his parents’ money to school, which teachers counted and secured in the principal’s office. When the child’s mother came to retrieve the money, she was given only $1,200.
Consequences and Accountability
The Pasco County Sheriff’s Office investigation determined that “the principal kept the $900 difference,” leading to Abernathy being charged with grand theft and booked into the Pasco County Jail. Like Lewis, Abernathy was placed on administrative leave during the investigation. These cases highlight the need for greater accountability and ethical standards among those entrusted with educational leadership positions.
Parents across Florida are now questioning the moral character of those leading their children’s schools. These incidents have sparked calls for more rigorous background checks and character assessments for educational administrators. School districts may need to implement more comprehensive ethical training and clearer consequences for violations to restore public trust in educational leadership.