Palm Desert Man Faces More Charges In Child Pornography Investigation

PALM DESERT, CA — A Palm Desert man previously arrested after he was accused of recording a child in a public restroom now faces additional charges after investigators identified two more victims, authorities said Friday.

Joseph Seiders, 44, was initially arrested on April 9 after deputies responded to a report of suspicious activity at a business in the 73000 block of Dinah Shore Drive. Two days earlier, on April 7, an 11-year-old boy had told deputies that a man recorded him while he was using the restroom at the same location, the Riverside County Sheriff's Department said.

RELATED: Palm Desert Man Arrested On Suspicion Of Filming Child In Restroom

A second report was made April 9 by an employee who said a man was entering and exiting the restroom with young boys. Deputies arrived and arrested Seiders at the scene.

Following his arrest, investigators with the Palm Desert Sheriff’s Station served search warrants on Seiders' home, vehicle, and cellphone, uncovering evidence linking him to the incidents and additional alleged crimes, including the possession of child pornography.

On June 5, the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office filed new charges against Seiders, including committing lewd acts with a minor by force or fear, using or coercing a minor to produce child pornography, possession of child pornography, annoying or molesting a child and invasion of privacy. These charges stem from two victims who weren't associated with the original incidents, the Sheriff's Department released in an update on Friday.

Seiders remains in custody at the John Benoit Detention Center in Indio.

The investigation is ongoing, and authorities believe there may be additional victims. Anyone with information is urged to contact Investigator Iniguez at 760–836–1600 or Riverside Sheriff’s Dispatch at 951–776–1099.