A Nevada judge has sentenced actor Nathan Chasing Horse, known for his role in the movie “Dances With Wolves,” to life in prison for the sexual assault of Indigenous women and girls. Chasing Horse, 49, was found guilty of 13 charges related to the assaults, with victims and their families expressing ongoing trauma from his actions. One victim, Corena Leone-LaCroix, who was assaulted at 14 years old, shared the impact of the abuse, stating that her life was forever altered.
Chasing Horse, appearing in a detention center uniform, remained silent during the sentencing as victims recounted their experiences. Despite being eligible for parole after 37 years, he maintained his innocence, calling the verdict a miscarriage of justice. The judge, Jessica Peterson, emphasized his manipulation of trust and spirituality for personal gain, leading to the severe sentence.
While the sentencing concludes the legal battle in Nevada, charges in Canada are still pending against Chasing Horse for an alleged incident in 2018. Prosecutors in British Columbia are monitoring the case and plan to assess next steps after all appeals are exhausted. Additionally, an outstanding warrant against Chasing Horse remains in Alberta, as authorities there coordinate with the Crown Prosecutors Office.
Born in South Dakota, Chasing Horse’s abuse of his position as a Lakota medicine man was highlighted during the trial. Deputy District Attorney Bianca Pucci described his actions as a “web of abuse” that spanned nearly two decades, impacting numerous women. Despite Chasing Horse’s denial and attempts to discredit the accusers, the jury found him guilty on some charges.
Victims shared harrowing accounts of being manipulated by Chasing Horse under the guise of spiritual guidance, leading to years of abuse. The defense’s motion for a new trial was denied, with victims and their families testifying about the betrayal of trust and desecration of sacred traditions. The lasting impact on the victims’ faith and spirituality was also highlighted during the proceedings.