A Rutgers University dean in New Jersey is facing criminal charges after authorities said he illegally recorded “up-skirt” videos while working at the school.
Joshua Kohut, 51, of Cranberry, has been charged with fourth-degree invasion of privacy after investigators said they found incriminating videos on an electronic device seized through a warrant.
Online profiles for Rutgers University and LinkedIn identify Kohut as dean of research for the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences.
Joshua Kohut, 51, is accused of recording “up-skirt” videos while serving as a dean of research at Rutgers University in New Jersey. (LinkedIn: Joshua Kohut)
In his profile, Kohut says he is “involved in many research and education programs,” including work tied to storm intensity, offshore wind and polar ecosystem studies in Antarctica.
A 19-year-old student was in critical condition after being found unresponsive at an Alpha Sigma Phi chapter’s off-campus house at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey, on Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025. (iStock)
According to his CV, Kohut earned a Ph.D. in physical oceanography from Rutgers in 2002. He is a professor of marine and coastal sciences and has been a faculty member at the university since 2008.
“The defendant is alleged to have used his mobile phone to record ‘upskirt’ videos without his victim’s knowledge. An invasion of privacy like this is not just disturbing, it is also a criminal act. We will prosecute accordingly,” Attorney General Davenport said.
The Rutgers Scarlet Knights logo is shown on concrete before the game between the Rutgers Scarlet Knights and the Oregon Ducks at SHI Stadium on Oct. 18, 2025 in Piscataway, New Jersey. (Getty Images)
If convicted, Kohut faces up to 18 months behind bars and a fine up to $10,000 for the alleged crimes.
In a statement sent to News Outlet a spokesperson for the university said, “The university placed Josh Kohut on administrative leave after being informed of the extremely disturbing charges. The research dean also is banned from campus pending the outcome of an investigation.”
News Outlet has reached out to Kohut for comment.
