More Child Porn Charges Filed Against Drummer

PALM DESERT, CA — Additional child pornography charges have been filed against a rock drummer who remained in custody Saturday after allegedly recording boys while using the restroom at a Chick-Fil-A restaurant in Palm Desert, the Riverside County Sheriff's Department announced.

Deputies responded to the restaurant at 73070 Dinah Shore Drive around 3:55 p.m. on April 7 to a report of an 11-year-old boy who stated that an unknown man recorded him on a cell phone while he was using the restroom, officials said.

Two days later, at around 5 p.m., deputies received a second report at the same location. An employee reported that a male was entering and exiting the restroom with juvenile boys at the business. The employee contacted law enforcement after having reason to believe the man was the suspect from the previous incident.

The suspect was identified as 44-year-old Joseph Seiders of Palm Desert and he was taken into custody.

The sheriff's Palm Desert station Investigations Bureau continued the investigation, serving search warrant for Seiders' residence, vehicle and cell phone. Evidence implicating him in the two reported incidents was allegedly found along with additional crimes, including possessing child pornography, according to the sheriff's department.

Seiders was booked into the John Benoit Detention Center where he was being held on $1 million bail on suspicion of possession of child pornography, annoying/molesting a child, invasion of privacy and attempted invasion of privacy.

During the investigation, deputies allegedly identified two additional victims not associated with the initial incidents, and on Thursday additional charges were filed against Seiders with the Riverside County District Attorney's Office for allegedly committing lewd acts with a minor by force or fear, using or coercing a minor to produce child pornography, possession of child pornography, annoying/molesting a child and invasion of privacy.

After his arrest, it was revealed that the defendant had been, for the last decade, the drummer for the band New Pornographers.

The group issued a statement stating, "Everyone in the band is absolutely shocked, horrified and devastated by news of the charges against Joe Seiders. We have immediately severed all ties with him. Our hearts go out to everyone who has been impacted by his actions."

Seiders' next appearance in court was scheduled for 8:30 a.m. on June 30 at the Indio Larson Justice Center.

— City News Service