A dean of research at Rutgers University faces charges after allegedly filming 'upskirt' videos while working for the college, the attorney general said.
Joshua Kohut, 51, was arrested and charged with fourth-degree invasion of privacy after his phone allegedly contained videos of 'the undergarment-clad intimate parts of another person,' according to the complaint obtained by the Daily Mail.
'The defendant is alleged to have used his mobile phone to record "upskirt" videos without his victim's knowledge,' New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport said.
'An invasion of privacy like this is not just disturbing, it is also a criminal act.'
Kohut, the dean of research for the university's School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, had his devices seized following an investigation.
During a forensic preview, one of the five devices searched allegedly contained the 'upskirt' videos, the attorney general said.
The incident occurred at Rutgers New Brunswick campus, home to the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, just 25 minutes from where the educator lives in a stunning $1,170,300 home in Cranbury.
It remains unclear if Kohut's alleged victim was a coworker or student, but the criminal complaint indicated that they were known to him.
Joshua Kohut, 51, was arrested and charged with fourth-degree invasion of privacy after his phone allegedly contained videos of 'the undergarment-clad intimate parts of another person'
Rutgers said Kohut, the university's School of Environmental and Biological Sciences Dean of Research, was placed on administrative leave over the 'extremely disturbing charges'
It remains unclear if Kohut's alleged victim was a coworker or student, but the complaint indicated that they were known to him. The New Jersey native was released on bail and faces up to 18 months in jail and a fine of up to $10,000 if convicted
Rutgers University said in a statement to the Daily Mail that Kohut was placed on administrative leave over the 'extremely disturbing charges.'
'The research dean also is banned from campus pending the outcome of an investigation,' university officials said.
The Daily Mail spoke with Courtney Kohut, Assistant Director at Princeton University, on the phone.
When asked if she would like to comment on the charges against her husband, she said: 'No, thank you.'
Kohut has been involved with Rutgers University for many years, including his involvement as a graduate assistant from 1997 to 2002 up to his appointment as dean of research in 2025.
Upon his appointment to the position, Kohut was said to contribute to the school's 'land grant mission through his cooperative extension responsibilities that have resulted in significant dissemination and impact of his research across multiple stakeholder groups.'
'As Dean of Research/Director of Research, Josh will work closely and collaboratively with faculty, chairs, staff, and administration to support the land grant mission and research excellence as an R1 institution,' the release said.
'He will oversee all aspects of our research enterprise, including federal capacity funds and compliance, assuring all research follows appropriate ethical standards, financial sustainability, and academic excellence.'
Kohut has been involved with Rutgers University for many years, including his involvement as a graduate assistant from 1997 to 2002 up to his appointment as dean of research in 2025
The Daily Mail spoke with Courtney Kohut, Assistant Director at Princeton University, and when asked if she had comment on the charges against her husband, she said: 'No, thank you'
The incident occurred at Rutgers New Brunswick campus, home to the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, just 25 minutes from where the educator lives in a stunning $1,170,300 home in Cranbury
'He will be an active member of the Executive Dean’s leadership team and will also represent SEBS/NJAES on the Deans of Research council of the Vice Provost for Research,' the release added.
Kohut also conducted his PhD research on physical oceanography at the university in 2002.
The New Jersey native was released on bail and faces up to 18 months in jail and a fine of up to $10,000 if convicted.
The Daily Mail reached out to Kohut for comment.
