Nathan Chasing Horse, the former 'Dances With Wolves' actor turned cult leader, has been sentenced to life in prison for sexually assaulting Indigenous women and girls. A Nevada judge handed down the sentence on Monday, following a jury conviction on 13 charges, primarily related to sexual assault. The charges stemmed from accusations by three women, one of whom was just 14 when the abuse began. Chasing Horse was acquitted on some charges.
Victims Speak Out
During the sentencing hearing, accusers and their families recounted the lasting trauma inflicted by Chasing Horse, who exploited his position as a spiritual leader. Many expressed struggles with their faith as a result of his actions. Chasing Horse, dressed in his navy blue Clark County Detention Center uniform, remained stoic as victims delivered their statements. He denied the allegations, calling the proceedings 'a miscarriage of justice.'
Ongoing Legal Battles in Canada
The sentencing concludes a multi-year effort to prosecute the former actor, who was first arrested and indicted in 2023. That arrest sent shockwaves through Indian Country, prompting additional charges in other states and Canada. The British Columbia Prosecution Service confirmed that Chasing Horse faces a sexual assault charge related to an alleged incident in September 2018 near Keremeos, British Columbia. The case was paused due to the U.S. charges but has since resumed. After all appeals are exhausted, prosecutors will assess next steps. A warrant also remains outstanding in Alberta, issued by the Tsuut'ina Nation Police Service, which is coordinating with the Alberta Crown Prosecutors' Office.
Trial Highlights Spiritual Leader Role
Chasing Horse, born on the Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota, rose to fame playing Smiles a Lot in Kevin Costner's Oscar-winning film 'Dances With Wolves.' He later traveled across Indian Country, performing healing ceremonies. Prosecutors argued that he used his reputation as a Lakota medicine man to prey on Indigenous women and girls for nearly two decades. Deputy District Attorney Bianca Pucci told the jury that Chasing Horse 'spun a web of abuse' that ensnared many women.
Three women testified during the trial, describing how they sought his help for ceremonies or medical issues. Corena Leone-LaCroix, then 14, said Chasing Horse told her the spirits wanted her to give up her virginity to save her mother, who had cancer. He then sexually assaulted her and threatened that her mother would die if she told anyone. The abuse continued for years. The Associated Press typically does not identify alleged victims unless they come forward publicly, as Leone-LaCroix has.
Chasing Horse denied the allegations, and his attorney questioned the main accuser's credibility, calling her a 'scorned woman.' A motion for a new trial, citing an unqualified witness and expired statute of limitations, was denied.
Impact on Victims and Community
Victims and their families testified about the profound impact on their faith and spirituality. One victim's mother said, 'Even to this day I struggle to regain my faith and spirituality.' Another victim described ongoing complications from an ectopic pregnancy resulting from the assault, requiring surgery. She stated, 'I am choosing to see this moment as a fresh start. I will rebuild my life, reclaim my voice and continue fighting for the future I deserve.'
Dr. Crystal Lee, CEO of United Natives, which supports sexual abuse victims, expressed hope that the sentencing brings peace. She noted that Chasing Horse's case underscores the importance of holding high-profile perpetrators accountable and believing victims. 'I think it makes us question who we trust and why we trust,' Lee said.
