A high-ranking Rutgers University official has been charged with invasion of privacy for allegedly filming "upskirt" videos, according to state Attorney General Jennifer Davenport and the Division of Criminal Justice. Joshua Kohut, 51, who serves as the dean of research at the university's School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, faces a fourth-degree invasion of privacy charge.
Kohut is accused of using his mobile phone to record videos of an unidentified person's undergarments without their knowledge. Investigators executed a search warrant on Monday, and a forensic review of Kohut's devices uncovered the alleged recordings. The Attorney General's office has not commented on whether Kohut targeted students.
Rutgers University has placed Kohut on administrative leave following notification of the charges and has banned him from campus pending the outcome of an investigation. The university confirmed he is currently on paid leave.
If convicted, Kohut could face up to 18 months in jail and a fine of up to $10,000. The university had announced Kohut's appointment to the leadership team in January 2025. He has a long history with Rutgers, having been a graduate student approximately 28 years ago before moving into faculty and administrative roles, including professor in the Department of Marine and Coastal Sciences.
Authorities are encouraging any potential victims to come forward. Those who believe they may have been a victim can contact Lt. Jon Norcia at 609-780-5449 or [email protected].