New Pornographers Drummer Faces Multiple Child Pornography Charges in California

Joseph Seiders, the 44-year-old drummer for the Canadian indie rock band The New Pornographers, was arrested in April in Palm Desert, California, after an 11-year-old boy reported that Seiders recorded him using a restaurant restroom. Two additional minors have since been identified as victims, leading to new charges filed against Seiders, including committing lewd acts with a minor by force or fear, coercing a minor to produce child pornography, possession of child pornography, molestation, and invasion of privacy. Law enforcement executed search warrants on Seiders' residence, vehicle, and phone, uncovering evidence implicating him in multiple offenses beyond the initial incident. Seiders was booked into the John Benoit Detention Center with bail set at $1 million. In response, The New Pornographers have publicly severed all ties with Seiders and expressed shock and devastation over the allegations. The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities urging anyone with additional information to come forward.