A Rutgers University dean has been arrested after investigators allegedly discovered secret “upskirt” recordings on one of his electronic devices, New Jersey authorities said.
Joshua Kohut, 51, the dean of research at Rutgers’ School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, was arrested Monday, Aug. 24, after authorities executed a search warrant, according to the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office and Division of Criminal Justice.
Kohut, who lives in Cranbury, New Jersey, is accused of recording another person’s “undergarment-clad intimate parts” without their knowledge or consent.
Authorities said investigators seized several electronic devices while carrying out the warrant. At least one of those devices allegedly contained videos showing the intimate recordings.
Officials have not publicly explained what first led investigators to Kohut or provided details about the person allegedly recorded.
Kohut has been charged with fourth-degree invasion of privacy.
“An invasion of privacy like this is not just disturbing, it is also a criminal act,” New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport said. “We will prosecute accordingly.”
Rutgers University said Kohut has been placed on paid administrative leave following his arrest.
The university called the allegations “extremely disturbing.”
Kohut joined Rutgers in January 2025, according to university records and his LinkedIn profile.
As dean of research, Kohut held a senior position within the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences.
Authorities have released few additional details about the investigation, including whether police believe there may be other recordings or alleged victims.
The investigation remains ongoing.
