The New Pornographers drummer arrested for filming children in Chick-fil-A bathroom

Joe Seiders, drummer for the indie rock band The New Pornographers, has been arrested and booked on multiple charges including possession of child pornography, annoying/molesting a child, invasion of privacy, and attempted invasion of privacy.

The investigation began on April 7th when deputies from the Riverside County Sheriff's Department in Palm Desert, CA, were dispatched to a local Chick-fil-A following reports of a male recording an 11-year-old boy in the restroom. Deputies interviewed the child, who confirmed the incident and stated he did not know the man filming him.

Then, on April 9th, an employee at the same Chick-fil-A noticed a man following children in and out of the restroom and believed he matched the suspect from the earlier incident. Authorities were contacted, and upon arrival, they located and arrested Seiders.

Following his arrest, the Palm Desert Investigation Bureau obtained warrants to search Seiders' residence, vehicle, and cell phone. Investigators say they found evidence linking him to both incidents at Chick-fil-A, as well as possession of child pornography.

Seiders is currently being held at the Larry D. Smith Correctional Facility in Banning, CA, with bail set at $1 million. The investigation remains ongoing. The Riverside County Sheriff's Department stated in a press release that they believe there may be additional victims and encouraged anyone with information to contact them at 760–836–1600.

In response to the arrest, The New Pornographers released the following statement via Instagram:

"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."

Seiders is scheduled to appear in court in Indio today, Tuesday, April 22.