A high-ranking dean from Rutgers University in New Jersey finds himself entangled in legal troubles after accusations of covertly filming “up-skirt” videos during his tenure at the institution.
Joshua Kohut, a 51-year-old resident of Cranberry, is now facing a charge of “fourth-degree invasion of privacy.” This accusation emerged following an investigation that uncovered the damning footage on electronic devices seized from him under a search warrant.
Kohut, who holds a prominent role as a Dean of Research within the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, is prominently featured on online platforms for the University as well as on LinkedIn.
The former dean, Kohut, 51, stands accused of the illicit filming, which he allegedly conducted while serving in his academic leadership position at the university. (LinkedIn: Joshua Kohut)
On his professional profiles, Kohut describes his involvement in diverse research and education ventures, including studies dedicated to storm intensity, offshore wind energy, and polar ecosystems in Antarctica, among other significant scientific inquiries.
A 19-year-old student is 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)
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Kohut has a Ph.D. in Physical Oceanography from Rutgers and has decades of experience and according to his CV. He a professor of marine and coastal sciences, earned his Ph.D. in 2002 and has been a faculty member there 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 Media 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 Media has reached out to Kohut for comment.