A 64-year-old Penn State University professor has been arrested and charged with multiple offenses after being allegedly caught on a trail camera engaging in indecent acts with his pet dog at a Pennsylvania state park.
The professor, identified as Themis Matsoukas, is known for his expertise in chemical engineering and was the recipient of the Premier Teaching Award in 2017. He has been relieved of his responsibilities and is currently on leave, according to a spokesperson for the university.
The arrest came after the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) installed a trail camera in the Alan Seeger Natural Area parking lot due to the theft of hand sanitizer from public bathrooms.
“I’m done, I’m dead, you don’t understand, I do it to blow off steam,” he reportedly told investigators.
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The camera captured footage of Matsoukas on the evening of April 13, walking around the area wearing only a ski mask, a North Face backpack, boots, and a wristwatch. The video reportedly shows him masturbating near the women’s public restroom and engaging in sexual acts with his collie — while recording the acts on a silver iPad.
Further investigation revealed additional evidence linking Matsoukas to similar activities in the area. Alton CBS affiliate WTAJ-TV reported that private camp owners provided rangers with photos from their own trail cameras, showing Matsoukas walking around the area in a similar state of undress on multiple occasions since 2014.
On May 16, rangers spotted Matsoukas on one of the trail cameras and traced him back to his green Subaru Outback. They obtained his license plate number and compared it to his DMV photo, which matched the images of the nude man captured by the trail cameras.
Officials searched Matsoukas’ home, where, according to Johnstown NBC affiliate WJAC-TV, he appeared nervous. When informed that investigators were specifically looking for the silver iPad believed to have been used in the illicit recordings, he panicked and expressed desperate statements, begging investigators to kill him.
“What do I have to do to get you to shoot me? I need to die,” Matsoukas allegedly said.
During the search, authorities discovered several items matching those seen in the April 13 video, including the ski mask, North Face backpack, and the silver iPad. His pet collie also matched the description of the dog involved in the trail camera video.
Matsoukas is scheduled to appear in court on July 19 for his preliminary hearing. The charges against him include sexual intercourse with an animal, cruelty to animals, indecent exposure, open lewdness, and disorderly conduct.
Information for this story was found via WTAJ, WJAC, and the sources and companies mentioned. The author has no securities or affiliations related to the organizations discussed. Not a recommendation to buy or sell. Always do additional research and consult a professional before purchasing a security. The author holds no licenses.
