Nathan Chasing Horse, recognized for his performance in "Dances With Wolves," was found guilty by a jury in Las Vegas on 13 counts of sexual assault involving Indigenous women and girls, marking a significant development in a case that has deeply affected Native communities. The guilty verdict pertains largely to offenses against a victim who was 14 years old when the abuse started. However, Chasing Horse was acquitted on certain charges relating to incidents with the same victim after she reached adulthood and lived with him along with other associates.
At 49 years old, Chasing Horse now faces a minimum imprisonment term of 25 years, with his sentencing hearing set for March 11. Beyond these convictions, he is also facing sex crime allegations in various U.S. states and Canada. Authorities in British Columbia stated that decisions on pursuing litigation will proceed after the conclusion of U.S. sentencing and any successful appeals.
The verdict concludes a years-long judicial pursuit that commenced following his arrest and indictment in 2023. Prosecutors presented evidence suggesting that Chasing Horse exploited his reputation as a Lakota medicine man to manipulate and sexually abuse Indigenous women and girls, invoking his spiritual authority as a pretext for his predatory behavior.
During the announcement of the verdict, Chasing Horse remained silent while victims and supporters expressed their emotions visibly, some adorned with yellow ribbons. The primary victim chose not to make public statements. Clark County’s chief deputy district attorney, William Rowles, expressed gratitude toward the courageous women who testified against Chasing Horse, hoping their disclosures bring them some solace.
Defense attorney Craig Mueller announced plans to request a new trial, signaling his dissatisfaction and confusion with the jury's decision. He questioned the reliability of the accusations, indicating he harbored significant doubts about their legitimacy.
Chasing Horse hails from the Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota, which is home to the Sicangu Sioux, part of the broader Lakota nation. His role as "Smiles a Lot" in the Oscar-winning film "Dances With Wolves" rendered him a recognizable figure within Native American representation in mainstream cinema.
"Dances With Wolves," released in 1990, is noted for its prominent Native American cast and depiction. This criminal trial unfolds amid increasing initiatives to address and reduce the nationwide crisis of violence against Indigenous women. Throughout the 11-day trial, testimonies from three women accused Chasing Horse of sexual assault, some claiming they were underage when the incidents occurred. The jury delivered guilty verdicts relating to allegations from all three accusers.
Deputy District Attorney Bianca Pucci summarized in her closing argument that over nearly two decades, Chasing Horse crafted "a web of abuse" entrapping numerous women. Conversely, the defense highlighted the absence of direct eyewitness accounts and challenged the main accuser’s credibility, portraying her as a vindictive individual. Prosecutors underscored the typical nature of sexual assault cases, which seldom involve onlookers and generally occur in private settings.
The case drew particular attention to the main accuser's account; she was 14 years old in 2012 when Chasing Horse allegedly manipulated her by invoking spiritual claims, instructing her to surrender her virginity under the premise it would aid her mother’s cancer recovery. Subsequently, he purportedly subjected her to ongoing sexual abuse, threatening that disclosure would result in her mother’s death.
Clark County District Attorney Steve Wolfson, present during the verdict reading, emphasized that the ruling conveys a firm stance that exploitation and abuse are unacceptable regardless of any individual’s public image or asserted spiritual position.