LAS VEGAS (AP) — Nathan Chasing Horse, a former actor known for his role in "Dances With Wolves," is set to be sentenced for sexually assaulting Indigenous women and girls, marking a crucial conclusion to a case that has reverberated across Indian Country. The sentencing is scheduled for Wednesday morning, following a Nevada jury's conviction of Chasing Horse on 13 out of 21 charges, predominantly related to his abuse of a victim who was just 14 years old when the assaults began. Although he faced numerous serious charges, he was acquitted of several sexual assault allegations.
Chasing Horse has continually denied the allegations, with attorney Craig Mueller questioning the main accuser’s credibility, labeling her as a "scorned woman." He is facing a minimum sentence of 25 years in prison, reflecting the severity of his actions and their prolonged impact on the victims.
Subsequent to his trial, Mueller filed a motion for a new trial, arguing that a witness was not adequately qualified to discuss "grooming" and claiming that the statute of limitations on some charges had expired. However, this motion was denied by the court, reinforcing the original jury's decision.
This sentencing occurs after a yearslong effort to bring Chasing Horse to justice, which began with his arrest and indictment in 2023. His initial arrest had widespread implications, prompting law enforcement agencies across multiple states and even Canadian authorities to investigate and file additional charges related to his conduct.
In Canada, the British Columbia Prosecution Service has charged Chasing Horse with sexual assault stemming from an alleged incident in September 2018 near Keremeos, British Columbia. Although proceedings were momentarily halted in November 2023 due to his ongoing legal troubles in the United States, they are expected to resume once his American appeals have been exhausted. Communications counsel Damienne Darby stated that British Columbia prosecutors will evaluate the next steps following the conclusion of his U.S. legal matters.
Moreover, the Tsuut’ina Nation Police Service in Alberta confirmed that there remains an outstanding warrant against Chasing Horse. They are actively communicating with the Alberta Crown Prosecutors Office to address the warrant.
Nevada prosecutors described Chasing Horse's lengthy abuse as part of a “web of abuse” that spanned nearly two decades, in which he exploited his reputation as a Lakota medicine man to target vulnerable Indigenous women and girls. Deputy District Attorney Bianca Pucci recounted the testimonies provided by three women, each detailing instances of sexual assault by Chasing Horse. The jury ultimately found him guilty on several charges related to all three victims.
Following his notable role alongside Kevin Costner in "Dances With Wolves," Chasing Horse became a familiar face across Indian Country, participating in powwows and performing healing ceremonies. Many victims reported that they sought him out for medical help or participated in his ceremonies, highlighting the trust he misused to carry out his assaults.
The primary accuser in the case, who was just 14 in 2012, recounted how Chasing Horse manipulated her by claiming that spirits demanded she sacrifice her virginity to save her mother, who was suffering from cancer. He then sexually assaulted her, coercing her with threats regarding her mother's health if she were to disclose the abuse. Prosecutor Pucci emphasized that the sexual assaults persisted over several years, illustrating the depth of manipulation and abuse involved.
