A Rutgers University dean was arrested after he allegedly recorded “upskirt” videos while working at the New Jersey institution.
Attorney General Jennifer Davenport announced in a press release that Joshua Kohut was charged with fourth-degree invasion of privacy after the disturbing videos were discovered on one of his devices.
Kohut, 51, worked as the dean of research at the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences at Rutgers University.
A search warrant was executed on Monday, August 24, after an investigation was conducted into allegations against Kohut. After his devices were confiscated, a forensic preview found a video that showed another person’s “undergarment-clad intimate parts.”
“The defendant is alleged to have used his mobile phone to record ‘upskirt’ videos without his victim’s knowledge,” Davenport said in a statement included in the press release. “An invasion of privacy like this is not just disturbing, it is also a criminal act. We will prosecute accordingly.”
If the educator is found guilty, the charge carries a possible sentence of up to 18 months in prison and a fine of up to $10,000, according to prosecutors.
Following Kohut’s arrest, a spokesperson for Rutgers University called the charges “extremely disturbing,” according to CBS News. The spokesperson added that Kohut was placed on administrative leave in the wake of the allegations, while he was also banned from campus as the investigation remains ongoing.
Kohut was released on pretrial monitoring after he appeared in court on Tuesday, August 25. He is scheduled to return to court on October 8.
It’s not currently clear if Kohut has retained legal counsel or entered a plea following his arrest.
Authorities asked that anyone with information regarding the case or any potential alleged victims of Kohut contact the New Jersey Department of Law and Public Safety at 609-780-5449 or NorciaJ@njdcj.org. The investigation into the case remains ongoing.
Kohut’s arrest has left Rutgers staff and students in shock. One incoming freshman told CBS News that Kohut’s arrest has created an “unsettling” environment across the campus.
Meanwhile, student Edna Kayi Martin said the situation had made her rethink how she dresses on campus.
“I was unpacking my whole wardrobe yesterday, and I’m looking at some outfits. Now that I hear about this, I’m like, is there something I should be wearing to like just keep myself safe?” Martin told the outlet. “But it’s not something you want to think about if you’re just going to class to study.”
Parents, teachers, and guardians interested in learning more about protecting children from exploitation can find useful tools and information at Know2Protect.
