Joe Seiders, the American drummer with Canadian indie rockers the New Pornographers, has been arrested for possession of child sexual abuse imagery.
A statement made by the sheriff’s office of Riverside county, California, alleged that evidence has implicated Seiders in two incidents. On Monday 7 April, an 11-year-old boy reported that a man attempted to film him in a restroom of a fast food restaurant, and on Wednesday 9 April, police officers received another report from the restaurant, that a man was “entering and exiting the restroom with juvenile males at the business”.
Officers arrested Seiders at the scene, and secured search warrants for his home, vehicle and phone: “Evidence was located implicating him in the two reported incidents, along with additional crimes, including possessing child pornography,” the statement reads. He was also charged with annoying/molesting a child, invasion of privacy, and attempted invasion of privacy.
Seiders is being held in jail with bail set at $1m, and is due in court on 22 April.
The New Pornographers responded with a statement reading: “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.”
Fronted by AC Newman and the Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Neko Case, the band are an enduring presence in North American indie, with a catalogue dating back to 2000 debut album Mass Romantic. One of their former members is Dan Bejar, AKA Destroyer. Their biggest chart success came with 2014 album Brill Bruisers, which reached No 13 in the US charts, after which their long-time drummer Kurt Dahle left and was replaced by Seiders.
As well as touring with the band, Seiders performed on their three most recent studio albums. He has also backed Case as well as artists including John Oates, Juliana Hatfield and Gary Jules, and previously played in the group Beat Club.
• In the UK, the NSPCC offers support to children on 0800 1111, and adults concerned about a child on 0808 800 5000. The National Association for People Abused in Childhood (Napac) offers support for adult survivors on 0808 801 0331. In the US, call or text the Childhelp abuse hotline on 800-422-4453. In Australia, children, young adults, parents and teachers can contact the Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800; adult survivors can seek help at Blue Knot Foundation on 1300 657 380. Other sources of help can be found at Child Helplines International
