Former Actor Convicted in U.S. as Alberta Considers Extradition for Similar Charges
Nathan Chasing Horse, the American actor best known for his role as Smiles A Lot in the 1990 Oscar-winning film Dances with Wolves, has been found guilty of multiple sex assault charges against minors in a Las Vegas courtroom. The conviction comes as authorities in Alberta weigh whether to pursue extradition for similar allegations within the province.
Las Vegas Conviction and Minimum Sentence
A jury delivered its verdict on Friday, finding the 49-year-old guilty of 13 out of 21 criminal charges he faced. According to Associated Press reports, these charges included offenses involving a girl who was 14 years old at the time of the alleged crimes. Chasing Horse now faces a mandatory minimum prison sentence of 25 years for his convictions in Nevada.
During the investigation, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police uncovered that Chasing Horse had been leading a group referred to as The Circle, which authorities described as having cult-like characteristics. This group's activities led police to identify six alleged victims in the United States.
Canadian Charges and Extradition Considerations
While the U.S. legal proceedings have concluded with convictions, Chasing Horse faces separate allegations in Canada. In 2023, Tsuut'ina Nation Police charged him with multiple offenses including:
- Four counts of sexual assault
- Four counts of sexual exploitation
- One count of sexual interference with a person under 16
- One count of removal of a child from Canada under age 16
The Alberta Crown Prosecution Service confirmed on Monday that they are actively monitoring the status of Chasing Horse's U.S. case but have not yet made a final decision regarding extradition proceedings. "No final decisions have been made in regards to next steps at this time," read an official statement from the prosecution service.
Cultural Context and Community Impact
The case carries particular significance within Indigenous communities where Chasing Horse had established himself as a ceremonial figure. In 2015, the Tsuut'ina Nation Council formally banned him from their territory, citing concerns about the "safety and well-being" of community members.
Sergeant Nancy Farmer of the Tsuut'ina Police explained the complex dynamics that made reporting difficult for alleged victims. "How do you now come forward when this is a ceremonial piece of your life, of your culture, and stand up in front of everyone to say that this happened?" Farmer noted during a 2023 media briefing. "It's very, very difficult."
She emphasized that Chasing Horse's position as a medicine man created a power dynamic that complicated disclosure for many years, with victims facing significant trauma before coming forward.
Broader Legal Landscape
British Columbia authorities have already indicated they will pursue extradition for charges in that province, creating a multi-jurisdictional legal scenario. Chasing Horse, who appeared in three films shot in Alberta, has not been active in film or television since 2007, with his public profile shifting toward spiritual leadership roles in recent years.
The case represents a significant development in cross-border criminal proceedings, highlighting how jurisdictions coordinate when serious allegations span international boundaries. As Alberta prosecutors continue their assessment, the legal future of the former actor remains uncertain on both sides of the Canada-U.S. border.
