Joshua Kohut, a Rutgers University research dean, faces a fourth-degree invasion-of-privacy charge after investigators allegedly found videos recorded beneath a person’s clothing on a seized electronic device. Prosecutors say the 51-year-old used a cellphone to make the recordings without the victim’s knowledge while working at the New Jersey university. Rutgers has placed Kohut on administrative leave and barred him from campus while the matter is investigated. If convicted, he could face up to 18 months in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
| Article Subheadings | |
|---|---|
| 1) | Charge follows seizure of electronic device |
| 2) | Prosecutors describe alleged cellphone recordings |
| 3) | Kohut’s academic role at Rutgers |
| 4) | University response and administrative restrictions |
| 5) | Potential penalties and next steps |
Charge follows seizure of electronic device
The charge against Joshua Kohut was announced in New Jersey on August 26, 2026. Kohut, 51, of Cranberry, is accused of fourth-degree invasion of privacy. Investigators allegedly obtained a warrant and seized one of his electronic devices, where they say they discovered videos that formed the basis of the case.
The allegation concerns the recording of intimate images without the subject’s awareness. The charge is an accusation, and the criminal case must proceed through the legal system before guilt can be established.
Prosecutors describe alleged cellphone recordings
New Jersey prosecutors allege that Kohut used his mobile phone to record videos beneath a person’s clothing, commonly described as “upskirt” recordings. Authorities say the alleged victim did not know the recording was taking place. The videos were reportedly identified during the examination of the device seized under warrant.
The state’s attorney general characterized the alleged conduct as both disturbing and criminal, saying investigators would pursue the case. The available allegations do not provide additional details about the location, timing, or circumstances of the individual recordings.
“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.
Kohut’s academic role at Rutgers
Joshua Kohut is identified in university and professional profiles as dean of research for Rutgers’ School of Environmental and Biological Sciences. He is also a professor of marine and coastal sciences and has been a Rutgers faculty member since 2008, according to his curriculum vitae.
His listed academic work includes research and education programs involving storm intensity, offshore wind and polar ecosystems in Antarctica. Kohut earned a doctorate in physical oceanography from Rutgers in 2002 and has spent decades in academic and research roles at the institution.
University response and administrative restrictions
Rutgers said it was informed of the charges and responded by placing Kohut on administrative leave. The university also barred him from campus while an internal investigation is pending. Those measures apply during the case and do not determine the ultimate outcome of the criminal allegations.
A university spokesperson described the charges as extremely disturbing. Rutgers did not provide further details about the investigation or explain whether any additional university action had been taken.
Potential penalties and next steps
A conviction on the fourth-degree charge could result in a sentence of up to 18 months in prison and a fine of as much as $10,000. The potential penalties cited by prosecutors reflect the charged offense, not a finding that Kohut committed the alleged conduct.
The criminal proceedings will determine how the case advances and whether the allegations are proven. Kohut’s response to requests for comment was not available in the reported information. Rutgers’ administrative leave and campus ban remain in place pending the university’s investigation.
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | Joshua Kohut faces a fourth-degree invasion-of-privacy charge. |
| 2 | Investigators allegedly found the recordings on a device seized under warrant. |
| 3 | Rutgers placed Kohut on leave and barred him from campus. |
| 4 | A conviction could bring up to 18 months in prison and a $10,000 fine. |
Summary
The case against Rutgers research dean Joshua Kohut centers on prosecutors’ allegation that he used a cellphone to record intimate videos without a person’s knowledge. Investigators say evidence was found on a device seized under warrant. Rutgers has removed Kohut from campus during the criminal and university investigations, while the allegations remain unresolved in court.
Frequently Asked Questions
What charge does Joshua Kohut face?
Kohut faces a fourth-degree invasion-of-privacy charge in New Jersey.
What do prosecutors allege happened?
Prosecutors allege that Kohut used a cellphone to record “upskirt” videos without the victim’s knowledge.
What action has Rutgers taken?
Rutgers placed Kohut on administrative leave and barred him from campus while an investigation is conducted.
What penalties could follow a conviction?
If convicted, Kohut could face up to 18 months in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
