Drummer for Vancouver indie rock band facing child porn allegations

Joseph Seiders, 44, is seen in an image from the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department.

The drummer for Vancouver indie rock band The New Pornographers is facing child pornography allegations, according to U.S. authorities.

Joseph Seiders, 44, was arrested last week in Palm Desert, Calif., following two separate reports of suspicious incidents at a local business.

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department said the first incident happened on April 7, when an 11-year-old boy alleged that a stranger recorded him with a cellphone in the bathroom of the establishment.

An employee called police to the same location two days later to report a man was “entering and exiting the restroom with juvenile males,” the RCSD said.

Officers arrested Seiders, a Palm Desert resident, and went on to search his home, vehicle and phone, authorities said.

“Evidence was located implicating him in the two reported incidents, along with additional crimes, including possessing child pornography,” the RCSD said.

Following the arrest, The New Pornographers issued a statement announcing members had “immediately severed all ties” with Seiders.

“Everyone in the band is absolutely shocked, horrified and devastated by the news,” the statement said. “Our hearts go out to everyone who has been impacted by his actions.”

Seiders joined The New Pornographers in 2014, replacing former drummer Kurt Dahle.