LAS VEGAS – Nathan Chasing Horse Sentenced to Life in Prison
A Nevada judge sentenced Nathan Chasing Horse, the actor known for his role in “Dances with Wolves,” to life in prison for sexually assaulting Native American women and girls. A jury had previously found him guilty on multiple charges, primarily focused on the assaults against three women.
The victim’s statements revealed the deep impact of Chasing Horse’s actions. One survivor, Corena Leone-Lacroix, who was just 14 when the abuse occurred, expressed the irreversible loss of her childhood, saying, “The life that that girl could have lived was taken away from me forever.”
During the sentencing, Chasing Horse, now 49, remained silent as the judge discussed the emotional trauma his victims endured. He was dressed in a navy uniform from the Clark County Detention Center, and his denial of the charges persisted even in front of the court.
“This is a miscarriage of justice,” Chasing Horse told the judge. Judge Jessica Peterson expressed disbelief at his continued denial, emphasizing that he had preyed upon the trust and spirituality of these women for his personal gain. The courtroom erupted in applause once the verdict was announced.
There are still pending charges against him in Canada. The prosecution’s efforts culminated in this verdict following his indictment in 2023, an event that sent ripples through the Native American community and prompted law enforcement in other regions to investigate further allegations.
Additionally, Chasing Horse faces charges in British Columbia related to separate incidents. The charge in Canada stems from an incident in 2018, and while the trial was delayed due to the U.S. indictment, plans to resume are in progress as the British Columbia Prosecution Service awaits the outcome of his appeals in the U.S.
Chasing Horse, who initially gained fame for his portrayal in the film, reportedly used his status as a purported Lakota shaman to exploit vulnerable women. The trial revealed a disturbing pattern of abuse spanning nearly two decades, where many victims believed they were attending healing ceremonies. Testimony highlighted how he manipulated his victims under the guise of spiritual guidance, causing long-lasting harm.
One mother of a victim, Lynette Adams, shared her ongoing struggles with faith due to the betrayal. The victims spoke of the profound psychological effects and the complications of one victim’s health due to an ectopic pregnancy resulting from the assault.
“I decided to take this moment as a new start,” said another victim, Sierra Begay, asserting her determination to rebuild her life and reclaim her voice.
