WWU dean arrested on suspicion of “immoral” communication with minors

Western Washington University police arrested the dean of campus libraries on Monday, Oct. 14, on suspicion of communicating with a minor for “immoral purposes.”

John Danneker, who began his role at Western in August 2023, will appear in court today for a preliminary appearance at 3 p.m. Danneker was booked into the Whatcom County Jail around 7 p.m. last night and is being held on $1,000 bail.

Danneker faces a gross misdemeanor charge in Whatcom County District Court.

Danneker was identified in a campus notice Tuesday morning that said he had been removed from his position and was on administrative leave pending the completion of the university's investigation, which would be done in cooperation with local law enforcement.

The release said police officers responded to suspicious activity outside Haggard Hall at 4:51 p.m. yesterday. The officers questioned two adult men, including Danneker, and arrested him. The second man was the reporter and, according to the report, has no connection to Western.

Danneker previously worked at the University of Washington as director of learning services and as director of the Odegaard Undergraduate Library.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

Charlotte Alden is CDN's general assignment/company reporter; reach her at [email protected]; 360-922-3090 ext 123.