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The New Pornographers have promptly parted ways with drummer Joe Seiders following his recent arrest in Palm Desert, California, on charges related to child pornography possession.
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As reported in a press release issued by the Riverside Sheriff’s Office, Seiders was taken into custody after authorities responded to a report concerning suspicious behavior on April 7 at a local Chick-Fil-A outlet. An 11-year-old boy reported to officers that a man had filmed him while he was in the restroom. Subsequently, two days later, staff from the same restaurant informed police of a man entering and exiting the bathroom with young males.
“Thinking the man could be the suspect linked to the earlier report, law enforcement was contacted. Upon arrival, deputies detained the suspect, identified as 44-year-old Joseph Seiders from Palm Desert,” according to the statement. Afterward, investigators executed search warrants on Seiders’ home, vehicle, and cell phone, discovering evidence that purportedly connected him to both incidents and revealed “additional crimes,” including child pornography possession.
Seiders has been processed at the John Benoit Detention Center in Indio, California, facing multiple charges: possession of child pornography, annoying or molesting a child, invasion of privacy, and attempted invasion of privacy. At the time of this announcement, a representative from the band had not responded to inquiries from Billboard regarding further details about the situation.
In a statement made via Instagram, the band expressed their shock and dismay, stating, “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.”
Seiders became part of the Canadian indie pop supergroup, which originated in Vancouver in 1997, in 2014, working alongside founding members such as singer Neko Case, singer/guitarist Carl Newman, and bassist John Collins. He contributed to their albums, including Whiteout Conditions (2017), In the Morse Code of Brake Lights (2019), and Continue as a Guest (2023), as well as their recent single “Ballad of the Last Payphone.” Currently, he is being held at the Larry D. Smith Correctional Facility, with a bail set at $1 million, and he is expected to appear in court on Tuesday, April 22.
Discussions surrounding allegations of sexual assault can be deeply distressing for those who have experienced such trauma. If you or someone you know requires support, you can reach out to the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN), which offers free, confidential assistance to survivors of sexual violence. For immediate help, contact RAINN’s National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800.656.HOPE or visit the organization’s website for further guidance.
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