Who Is Joshua Kohut? Rutgers Research Dean Banned From Campus as Police Say 'Upskirt' Videos Were Found on His Phone

Joshua Kohut, a dean of research at Rutgers University, has been barred from campus after New Jersey authorities alleged that 'upskirt' videos were found on electronic devices seized from his home.

The 51‑year‑old, from Cranbury, has been charged by complaint with fourth‑degree invasion of privacy and placed on administrative leave while the case is investigated.

Kohut was placed on administrative leave after Rutgers was informed of the charge, which concerns alleged recordings made without the knowledge of the person depicted. The allegations have not been proven in court, and Kohut is presumed innocent unless and until found guilty.

The case involves a senior research administrator at a public university, with investigators alleging that the recordings were made while he was at Rutgers. It has prompted a criminal investigation, a search of his home and an immediate campus ban while the case proceeds.

Who Is Joshua Kohut?

Kohut became Dean of Research at Rutgers' School of Environmental and Biological Sciences and Director of Research at the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station on 1 January 2025. Rutgers appointed him after a career at the university as a graduate student, staff member, faculty member and administrator.

He is a professor in the Department of Marine and Coastal Sciences whose academic work has focused on coastal ocean observing, including radar, sensors and gliders. The university said he also helped establish and co‑chaired its Offshore Wind Collaborative, linking academics with industry and public‑sector partners.

As Dean of Research, Kohut's responsibilities included research operations, federal capacity funds, compliance, ethical standards, financial sustainability and academic excellence. The seniority of that role has drawn attention to the arrest and campus restriction.

Search Warrant and Alleged Recordings

Investigators searched Kohut's home on 24 August and seized five electronic devices. Authorities allege that they found 'upskirt' images and videos on those devices following the search.

The New Jersey Attorney General's Office alleges Kohut used his mobile phone to record another individual's undergarments without their knowledge while at Rutgers.

A forensic examination was said to have found videos of the alleged victim's undergarment‑clad intimate parts.

Attorney General Jennifer Davenport said the alleged conduct was not only 'disturbing' but criminal. 'We will prosecute accordingly,' she said in a statement reported by local media.

The charge was announced by the Attorney General and the Division of Criminal Justice. Officials have not identified the alleged victim or stated whether the individual had a connection to Rutgers.

Charge and Rutgers Campus Ban

The fourth‑degree invasion‑of‑privacy charge carries a maximum sentence of 18 months in prison and a fine of up to $10,000 (around £7,000). Deputy Attorneys General Layli Khelafa and Sarah Milicia are listed as representing the state in the prosecution.

Rutgers stated that Kohut had been placed on administrative leave and barred from campus pending the outcome of the investigation. The alleged incidents occurred on campus, though authorities have not publicly identified a specific location.

The Attorney General's Office has asked anyone who believes they may have been a victim to contact Lt Jon Norcia at the New Jersey Department of Law and Public Safety. The agency has not said publicly whether further alleged victims have come forward or whether additional charges are being considered.

The charge is an accusation and does not establish criminal liability. Any evidence gathered by investigators will be examined through the criminal justice process, where prosecutors must prove the allegation beyond a reasonable doubt.