Penn State: Professor accused of performing sexual acts with dog
What's the story
A Pennsylvania State University professor has been charged with performing sexual acts with his dog. Other charges against him include open lewdness and cruelty to animals. Themis Matsoukas, 64, who was charged on Tuesday reportedly asked the investigators to shoot him, saying, "I need to die." Authorities claim that he has engaged in lewd acts in the forest since 2014.
Identification
Matsoukas was identified by his backpack
The professor was seen via a trial camera performing sexual acts with his dog near public bathrooms on April 13 at Rothrock State Forest in Pennsylvania. Besides, he also tried to record himself performing the act with a tablet. Matsoukas reportedly was identified through the North Face backpack he was carrying during the incident. His bag was clearly visible in the camera footage.
Caught via camera
He engaged in explicit behavior near the women's restroom
A trial camera was set up by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) ranger in the Alan Seeger Natural Area to help police catch people stealing hand sanitizer bags from public toilets. The following day, the camera recorded several clips of a man, later identified as Matsoukas, masturbating close to the women's lavatory before participating in sexual acts with a dog.
Further investigation
Matsoukas's identity was confirmed by his vehicle registration
During the investigation, owners of two private campers near Rothrock revealed that their trail cameras had earlier captured images of a half-nude man. The man in these pictures dated 2014, was eventually identified as Matsoukas by the investigators. On May 16, Matsoukas resurfaced on the DCNR trail camera, and his identity was confirmed by his vehicle registration.
Search warrant
Investigators executed a search warrant at the professor's house
On June 9, police carried out a search warrant at Matsoukas's residence in the State College region and recovered an iPad, a bag, a ski mask, a watch, and boots that appeared to match those seen in the videos. While Matsoukas denied having the items initially, he eventually admitted ownership and said, "I do it to blow off steam."
About the professor
Matsoukas has been with the university since 1991
Matsoukas who earned his Ph.D. from Michigan has been with the Pennsylvania State University since 1991 as a professor of chemical engineering. During his tenure with the university, he has published many journal articles and has won teaching awards more than three times. A statement from the university read, "Themis Matsoukas has been relieved of his responsibilities and is on leave."