New Pornographers Drummer Joseph Seiders Arrested on Child Pornography Charges
Joseph Seiders, the drummer for acclaimed indie-rock group the New Pornographers, has been arrested on multiple charges, including possession of child pornography. His arrest has sent shockwaves within the music community and prompted a swift response from the band.
Details of the Arrest
According to a press release from the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office, Seiders was apprehended on April 9. The arrest followed two reports concerning suspicious activities at a business in Palm Desert. An alarming claim was made by an 11-year-old boy, who reported that Seiders had filmed him in a bathroom on April 7. Just two days later, a business employee reported seeing Seiders enter and exit the bathroom with underage boys, prompting further investigation.
Charges and Ongoing Investigation
Seiders was taken into custody following the reports, and search warrants were executed at his residence, vehicle, and mobile phone. The evidence collected during these searches implicated Seiders in the two reported incidents and indicated additional criminal activity, including possessing child pornography. He is currently held at an Indio jail on several serious charges, including:
- Possession of child pornography
- Annoying or molesting a child
- Invasion of privacy
- Attempted invasion of privacy
As of now, bail has been set at $1 million, and Seiders is scheduled to appear in court on April 22. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities gather more information.
Band’s Response
In light of the troubling allegations, the New Pornographers released a statement expressing their disbelief and sorrow: “Everyone in the band is absolutely shocked, horrified and devastated by the news of the charges against Joe Seiders — and we have immediately severed all ties with him. Our hearts go out to everyone who has been impacted by his actions.”
Background on Joseph Seiders
Having joined the New Pornographers in 2014, Seiders succeeded previous drummers Fisher Rose and Kurt Dahle. The New Pornographers, celebrated as one of Canada’s premier indie-rock bands since their formation in 1997, have released nine studio albums, with their latest being titled “Continue as a Guest,” which came out in 2023.
