Rutgers University Dean Arrested in Shocking Campus Investigation

A high-ranking Rutgers University dean has been arrested after investigators allegedly found invasive “upskirt” videos on one of his electronic devices, New Jersey authorities announced.

Joshua Kohut, 51, the dean of research at Rutgers University’s School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, was charged with fourth-degree invasion of privacy, according to a joint announcement from the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office and the Division of Criminal Justice.

Authorities allege Kohut used his cellphone to secretly record underneath a person’s clothing without that individual’s knowledge.

New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport called the allegations deeply troubling.

“An invasion of privacy like this is not just disturbing, it is also a criminal act,” Davenport said. “We will prosecute accordingly.”

The case unfolded after investigators executed a search warrant Monday and seized five devices belonging to Kohut.

During a forensic examination, investigators allegedly found videos showing an unidentified person’s undergarment-clad intimate areas, according to the criminal complaint.

Authorities have not said whether any Rutgers students were targeted.

The Attorney General’s Office said it could not comment on that question.

However, the complaint reportedly suggests Kohut and the alleged victim may have known each other in some capacity.

The alleged incident occurred in New Brunswick, New Jersey, where one of Rutgers University’s three regional campuses is located.

The School of Environmental and Biological Sciences is also based on the New Brunswick campus.

Rutgers quickly moved to distance the university from the allegations.

The school said Kohut was placed on administrative leave after officials were notified of what they called the “extremely disturbing charges.”

He has also been banned from campus while the investigation and criminal case move forward.

Rutgers confirmed that Kohut’s leave is paid.

Kohut lives in Cranbury, an affluent community in central New Jersey.

If convicted on the invasion of privacy charge, he could face up to 18 months in prison and a fine of as much as $10,000.

Court records indicate he was released on bail.

Kohut had only recently been elevated to the dean position.

Rutgers announced his appointment in January 2025, describing him at the time as an “active member of the Executive Dean’s leadership team.”

His ties to Rutgers stretch back nearly three decades.

Kohut first attended the university as a graduate student roughly 28 years ago and later became a professor in the Department of Marine and Coastal Sciences.

When announcing his promotion, Rutgers noted that Kohut had experienced the university in nearly every possible role.

He had served as a student, staff member, faculty member and administrator before becoming dean.

Now, he is off campus and facing a criminal case as investigators work to determine whether there may be additional alleged victims.

The New Jersey Attorney General’s Office and Division of Criminal Justice are asking anyone who believes they may have been victimized or who has relevant information to come forward.