Palm Desert Man Arrested for Child Pornography in Restaurant Incident

Authorities in Palm Desert, Calif., have arrested a 44-year-old man, Joseph Seiders, on charges including possession of child pornography following disturbing incidents at a local restaurant restroom. Seiders, known for his role as a drummer with the Canadian indie rock band “The New Pornographers” since 2014, was taken into custody on April 9 at the Chick-fil-A located on Dinah Shore Drive, according to jail records. The band, which has performed at Coachella in 2007 and 2011, expressed shock and severed ties with Seiders, stating, “Our band is in disbelief, horrified, and deeply saddened by these charges, and we are no longer associated with him. Our thoughts are with all those affected by his actions.”

The arrest was prompted by two incidents reported at the restaurant’s restroom, noted the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office. On Monday, April 7, just before 4 p.m., an 11-year-old boy alleged that a man filmed him with a cellphone while he was using the facilities. Subsequently, on Wednesday, April 9, around 5 p.m., a staff member reported seeing a man repeatedly entering and exiting the restroom with minors. Deputies confirmed the suspect as Seiders and detained him.

Upon further investigation, officers connected Seiders to both cases and uncovered more incriminating evidence, including possession of child pornography. The Palm Desert Station Investigations Bureau executed search warrants for Seiders’ home, vehicle, and cellphone, revealing his involvement in other illicit activities. He was subsequently booked at the John Benoit Detention Center in Indio, facing charges like possession of a minor in a sexual act and using hidden cameras to invade privacy.

Seiders is expected to face a felony settlement conference on Tuesday at the Larson Justice Center in Indio. The investigation is ongoing, and the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office suspects there may be more victims. They urge anyone with relevant information to reach out to Investigator Iniguez at 760-836-1600 or Riverside Sheriff’s Dispatched at 951-776-1099. Stay tuned to News Channel 3 for continual updates on this developing story.