John Danneker, Western Washington University’s Dean of Libraries was arrested on campus Monday evening, Oct.14.
University Police Department officers received a call reporting suspicious activity in front of Haggard Hall at 4:51 p.m. After arriving on the scene, the officers questioned two adult males, who would be revealed to be Danneker and the reporting party.
Following review and a consultation with the Bellingham Police Department, UPD arrested Danneker on suspicion of “communication with a minor for immoral purposes,” a gross misdemeanor. He has since been booked by the Bellingham Police Department, according to a statement to Western employees by Western Provost and Executive Vice President Brad Johnson.
Danneker, 48, remained in Whatcom County Jail on Tuesday morning, Oct. 15, according to jail booking records. Booking information also showed that Danneker has been accused of felony communication with a minor.
A WWU Campus Advisory was shared with the campus community at 8:38 Tuesday morning, confirming the removal of Danneker as dean of libraries. In addition, Danneker has been placed on administrative leave, pending the conclusion of the investigation, which will be conducted by local law enforcement.
The university is working to appoint an interim leader in what Johnson described as a time of “uncertainty and anxiety.”
Johnson will work closely with Western Libraries leadership to guide this next transition.
Morgan Merriam (she/her) is the editor-in-chief for The Front this quarter. Previously, she has been a reporter for campus news, managing editor, campus news/life editor and a public relations representative for The Front. Morgan is in her senior year at Western, majoring in journalism/public relations with a minor in sociology. Outside of the newsroom, she enjoys jewelry making, baking and volunteer dog walking. You can reach her at morganmerriam.thefront@gmail.com or eic.westernfront@gmail.com
