LAS VEGAS – Conviction in High-Profile Case
A Nevada jury found a former actor from “Dances with Wolves” guilty on Friday, in a case that has garnered national attention involving the sexual assault of an indigenous woman and a girl.
The jury concluded that Nathan Chasing Horse, aged 49, was guilty on 13 out of 21 charges. Many of these charges revolved around his actions toward a victim who was just 14 when the assaults began. Some charges were dropped, particularly those related to older victims who were living with him at the time.
Chasing Horse is facing a minimum prison sentence of 25 years, with sentencing set for March 11. Additionally, he may face similar charges in Canada, as officials in British Columbia have indicated they will evaluate the situation after the U.S. appeal process is complete.
This verdict culminated years of efforts by prosecutors since Chasing Horse’s initial arrest in 2023. Allegations suggest he exploited his standing as a Lakota shaman to prey on Native women and girls.
As the verdict was read, Chasing Horse remained silent. In the hallway, victims and supporters expressed their emotions, some wearing yellow ribbons. The primary victim chose not to speak to the press afterward.
Clark County Chief Deputy District Attorney William Rowles expressed gratitude towards the women who bravely testified against Chasing Horse, hoping they might find some peace following the trial’s outcome.
Defense attorney Craig Mueller announced plans to file a motion for a new trial and expressed his bewilderment and disappointment over the jury’s decision. He mentioned having significant doubts regarding the credibility of the allegations.
Chasing Horse hails from the Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota, recognized as part of the Sichang Sioux Tribe. He gained fame for his role as Smiles-A-Lot in the celebrated 1990 film directed by Kevin Costner.
The trial aligns with increased attention on the violence faced by indigenous women, a pressing issue in recent years.
Over the course of the 11-day trial, jurors listened to accounts from three women who claimed Chasing Horse had assaulted them, including some minors at the time. The jury ultimately returned multiple guilty verdicts relating to all three accounts.
In closing statements, Assistant District Attorney Bianca Pucci articulated that Chasing Horse had “woven a web of abuse” for nearly 20 years, affecting many lives.
Conversely, Mueller argued in his closing remarks that there was no substantive evidence to support the claims, casting doubt on the main accuser’s integrity and labeling her a “scorned woman.” Prosecutors countered that sexual assault cases often lack witnesses and typically occur in secrecy.
The primary accuser became involved at age 14 in 2012 when Chasing Horse allegedly told her that a spirit required her to relinquish her virginity to aid her mother’s battle with cancer. According to Pucci, this act of assault was followed by threats that his mother would perish if she spoke out and continued for years.
Clark County District Attorney Steve Wolfson, present in the courtroom during the verdict, stated that the outcome sends a strong message that exploitation and abuse will not be tolerated, regardless of an individual’s social status or purported spiritual authority.
