This news is deeply concerning. Joseph Seiders, the drummer for the Canadian indie-rock band New P*rnographers, has been arrested for possession of child pornography and related charges. The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department confirmed his arrest following reports about his suspicious behavior on April 7, which led to his detention at a Chick-fil-A in Coachella Valley on April 9. The arrest came after an employee at the restaurant observed Seiders entering and exiting the restroom with juvenile males. It was later revealed that an 11-year-old boy had reported that Seiders had recorded him while using the restroom.
Further investigations at Seiders’ residence, vehicle, and on his cell phone uncovered evidence of child pornography, molestation, and other charges. As a result, he has been booked into John Benoit Detention Center in Indio, facing charges including possessing child pornography, molesting a child, invasion of privacy, and attempted invasion of privacy.
Following his arrest, Seiders’ band, New P*rnographers, expressed their shock and horror, immediately severing all ties with him. They shared their heartbreak and support for the victims affected by his actions.
Seiders’ bail has been set at $1 million, and he is scheduled to appear in court on April 22.
Seiders, who was born in Winchester, Massachusetts, joined New P*rnographers in 2014 after the departure of former drummers, and contributed to the band’s sound across several albums, including their 2023 release, Continue as a Guest. Outside of the band, he had collaborated with various other artists, including Emitt Rhodes, John Oates, Tracy Bonham, and Juliana Hatfield.
The situation is extremely distressing, and the gravity of the charges is undoubtedly affecting all those involved, including the band and those directly impacted by Seiders’ actions.