Nevada Judge Sentences Actor Nathan Chasing Horse to Life in Prison for Sexual Assault

A Nevada judge has sentenced Nathan Chasing Horse, known for his role in “Dances with Wolves,” to life imprisonment for the sexual assault of Native American women and girls.

Judge Jessica Peterson delivered the sentence on Monday after a jury found Chasing Horse guilty on 13 counts, primarily related to sexual assault. Notably, one of the individuals who accused him was a minor at the time of the incidents. Accusers shared their trauma in court, noting how Chasing Horse exploited his role as a spiritual leader, preying on women who approached him for health support or ritual participation. It’s, well, really disheartening to see someone abuse such trust.

When the judge revealed his sentence, Chasing Horse maintained his innocence, claiming, “This is a miscarriage of justice,” according to reports.

Following the filming of “Dances with Wolves,” Chasing Horse participated in various events across Indian Country, engaging in powwows and rituals aimed at healing.

Deputy District Attorney Bianca Pucci disclosed in court that one of the accusers, Corena Leone-Lacroix, was just 14 when an incident with Chasing Horse occurred. She recounted that he told her the spirits demanded she sacrifice her virginity to save her mother, who was battling cancer. Tragically, he then assaulted her and threatened her to keep quiet about it, a tactic that’s both manipulative and horrifying.

Pucci indicated that this abuse persisted over several years, with the first reported incident dating back to 2018 in Canada. Eventually, Chasing Horse was arrested and charged with sexual assault in early 2023.

Moreover, there remains an outstanding warrant for him in Alberta, Canada. It’s astonishing how deep and far-reaching these issues can be; it really makes you think about the broader implications of power dynamics in such sensitive settings.