School Principal Arrested for Theft After Skip-Scanning at Walmart

On March 28, 2025, Gregory Lewis, the 54-year-old principal of Bok Academy North in Lake Wales, Polk County, Florida, was arrested for petit theft after allegedly "skip scanning" at a Walmart self-checkout. The incident occurred at the Walmart located at 7450 Cypress Gardens Boulevard in Winter Haven, where police were called around 1:30 p.m. following a report of retail theft. According to the Winter Haven Police Department, an asset protection officer observed Lewis employing a technique known as "skip scanning," where he placed a bag of disposable foam plates between higher-value items to obscure them from the scanner. The items he allegedly stole included a large pack of light bulbs, bacon, and frozen butterfly shrimp, totaling $37.45.

When confronted by officers, Lewis reportedly admitted to the act, stating, "My friends told me they had stolen from stores using the same method, and I thought I would try it." He further confessed to having used this method at the same store previously, according to the arrest affidavit. Lewis was booked into the Polk County Jail on a petit theft charge and released the following day, March 29, after paying a $250 bond. Following his arrest, Lake Wales Charter Schools placed him on administrative leave, with Interim Superintendent Alricky Smith noting the matter was under review but declining further comment due to its ongoing nature.