Musician Joe Seiders Arrested on Grave Charges
Joe Seiders, the drummer for the indie rock band The New Pornographers, has been arrested on serious charges related to child pornography, as confirmed by the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department in a press release on Thursday.
Band’s Response to Seiders’ Arrest
Following the arrest, The New Pornographers swiftly terminated Seiders’ association with the band. The group expressed their devastation over the incident, stating, “Everyone in the band is absolutely 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.” This statement was issued through their social media platforms, reflecting the band’s commitment to addressing the severity of the situation.
The New Pornographers’ Legacy and Seiders’ Contributions
Established in the 1990s, The New Pornographers have garnered a loyal fan base over the years. Joe Seiders joined the band in 2014, contributing drums and backup vocals to their last three albums: Whiteout Conditions, In the Morse Code of Brake Lights, and Continue as a Ghost. His involvement was noted for adding depth to the band’s distinctive sound.
The Details of the Arrest
According to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, the incident leading to Seiders’ arrest began on April 7, when authorities responded to a report from an 11-year-old boy at a business in Palm Desert. The boy claimed that an unidentified male recorded him while he was in the restroom using a cellphone. A follow-up report two days later indicated suspicious behavior by a man, later identified as Seiders, who was seen entering and exiting restrooms in the company of juvenile males.
Subsequent investigations resulted in search warrants executed for Seiders’ residence, cellphone, and vehicle. Evidence was discovered that implicated him not only in the reported incidents but also in other unspecified crimes. He has been booked at Indio’s John Benoit Detention Center on multiple charges, including possession of child pornography, annoying or molesting a child, invasion of privacy, and attempted invasion of privacy.