.Rutgers Dean Charged with Invasion of Privacy Following State Investigation
photo of School of Environmental and Biological Sciences (SEBS) | Rutgers University
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. — A high-ranking administrator at Rutgers University faces criminal charges after state law enforcement officials executed a search warrant uncovering illicit videos recorded without consent.
Invasion of Privacy Charges Filed
New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport and the Division of Criminal Justice announced the arrest of Joshua Kohut, 51, of Cranbury. Kohut serves as the Dean of Research at Rutgers University’s School of Environmental and Biological Sciences.
Authorities have charged Kohut with fourth-degree invasion of privacy for allegedly using his mobile phone to secretly record “upskirt” videos of an individual’s intimate parts without their knowledge.
“An invasion of privacy like this is not just disturbing, it is also a criminal act. We will prosecute accordingly,” Attorney General Davenport stated regarding the investigation.
Search Warrant & Forensic Evidence
The arrest followed a targeted investigation that led state authorities to execute a search warrant on August 24, 2026.
Key details from the official complaint include:
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Seized Electronics: Law enforcement officers confiscated five electronic devices belonging to Kohut.
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Forensic Preview: A preliminary digital examination revealed videos capturing an individual’s undergarment-clad intimate areas stored on one of the devices.
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Location & Relationship: The alleged incidents occurred in New Brunswick City in Middlesex County, home to the university’s School of Environmental and Biological Sciences. Court documents suggest Kohut and the victim were known to each other in some capacity, though officials have not confirmed whether students were targeted.
Potential Penalties & Legal Contact
A fourth-degree invasion of privacy charge in New Jersey carries a potential penalty of up to 18 months in prison and fines reaching $10,000 upon conviction. Deputy Attorneys General Layli Khelafa and Sarah Milicia are representing the state in the proceedings.
As in all criminal matters, the charges are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
State authorities encourage anyone with information regarding this case or potential victims to contact the New Jersey Department of Law and Public Safety at 609-780-5449 or via email at [email protected].
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The state university is a cesspool.