WINTER HAVEN, FL – Gregory Lewis, the recently appointed principal of Bok Academy North, has been arrested by the Winter Haven Police Department on a charge of petit theft, first offense.
Lewis, who was unanimously selected by the Lake Wales Charter School Board of Trustees as principal, has a long career in education spanning over two decades. He previously served as an assistant principal at Ridge Community High School before taking on his new role.
According to the arrest affidavit Lewis allegedly admits to the theft:
“I made contact with the Asset Protection Officer, REDACTED, in the AP office, where the defendant, Gregory Eugene Lewis 08/11/1970, was present. REDACTED stated that the defendant was utilizing the self-checkout kiosk when he committed the act of skip-scanning by placing a bag of disposable foam plates between items of higher value, claiming only the value of the foam plates. REDACTED stated the defendant bagged the items, paid for certain merchandise, and then proceeded to the exit. REDACTED confronted the defendant after passing the final point of sale.
I spoke to the defendant after Miranda Rights were read. The defendant admitted to performing the act of skip-scanning. The defendant advised while sitting around with some friends, the friends stated they had stolen from stores, using the same method and the defendant claimed he thought he would give it a try as well. The defendant also admitted to doing this at the same store in the past.”
This development comes just months after Lewis expressed his enthusiasm for leading Bok Academy North, emphasizing goals of fostering a supportive school climate and improving student engagement. It is currently unknown how this arrest will impact his position at the school.
Lake Wales Charter School officials have not yet released a statement regarding the arrest.
