LAS VEGAS (AP) — Nathan Chasing Horse, the former actor known for his role in 'Dances With Wolves,' 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 accusations came from three women, one of whom was just 14 years old when the abuse began. Chasing Horse was acquitted on some charges.
Victims Speak Out
During the sentencing hearing, accusers and their families shared emotional statements with Judge Jessica Peterson, describing the lasting trauma caused by Chasing Horse. Many spoke of struggling with their faith after he exploited his position as a spiritual leader. Wearing his navy blue Clark County Detention Center uniform, Chasing Horse stared straight ahead as the victims read their statements. He denied the charges, telling the judge, 'This is a miscarriage of justice.'
Ongoing Legal Battles
The sentencing concludes a yearslong effort to prosecute the former actor, who was first arrested and indicted in 2023. That initial arrest sent shockwaves through Indian Country, prompting law enforcement in other states and Canada to file additional charges, which remain pending. The British Columbia Prosecution Service confirmed that Chasing Horse was charged with sexual assault in February 2023, related to an alleged offense in September 2018 near Keremeos, British Columbia. The case was paused in November 2023 due to Chasing Horse's U.S. charges but resumed the following year. After all appeals are exhausted, British Columbia prosecutors will assess next steps, according to Damienne Darby, communications counsel for the service. Additionally, a warrant against Chasing Horse remains outstanding in Alberta, as confirmed by the Tsuut'ina Nation Police Service.
Trial Highlights Abuse of Power
Chasing Horse was born on the Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota, home to the Sicangu Sioux. After his appearance in Kevin Costner's Oscar-winning film 'Dances With Wolves,' he traveled across Indian Country, attending powwows and performing healing ceremonies. During his trial, Nevada prosecutors argued that he used his reputation as a Lakota medicine man to prey on Indigenous women and girls. Deputy District Attorney Bianca Pucci told the jury that for nearly 20 years, Chasing Horse 'spun a web of abuse' that ensnared many women. Jurors heard testimony from three women who said Chasing Horse sexually assaulted them, leading to guilty verdicts on several charges.
Victim's Story
One victim, Corena Leone-LaCroix, was 14 in 2012 when Chasing Horse allegedly told her that spirits wanted her to give up her virginity to save her mother, who had cancer. He then sexually assaulted her and threatened that if she told anyone, her mother would die, according to Pucci. The assaults continued for years. The Associated Press typically does not name alleged sexual assault 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 was denied.
Impact on Faith and Healing
Victims and their family members testified that Chasing Horse's actions caused them to struggle with their faith. Mothers of the victims said he betrayed their trust and abused sacred traditions. 'Even to this day I struggle to regain my faith and spirituality,' one mother said. Another victim reported ongoing complications from an ectopic pregnancy resulting from the assault, requiring surgery. '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,' one victim stated. Dr. Crystal Lee, CEO of United Natives, which supports sexual abuse victims, expressed hope that the sentencing brings peace. She emphasized 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.
