LAS VEGAS (AP) – A Nevada judge has sentenced Nathan Chasing Horse, known for his role in “Dances With Wolves,” to life in prison after he was convicted of multiple sexual assault charges involving Indigenous women and girls. The 49-year-old actor, who was found guilty of 13 charges primarily associated with the sexual assault of three women, was sentenced by Judge Jessica Peterson.
In statements to the court, accusers and their families expressed the ongoing trauma inflicted by Chasing Horse, who exploited his position as a spiritual leader within Indigenous communities. Corena Leone-LaCroix, one of the victims, poignantly shared her experience, stating, “There is no way to get back the youth, the childhood loss, my first time, my first kiss, the graduation I never got to have. The life that little girl could have lived has been taken from me forever.” She was 14 when Chasing Horse assaulted her, publicly naming herself among the victims.
Chasing Horse, appearing in a navy blue detention center jumpsuit, remained stoic as victims read their statements. He is eligible for parole after serving 37 years but continues to deny the allegations, labeling the proceedings a “miscarriage of justice.” Judge Peterson observed his persistent denial, emphasizing how he manipulated the women’s trust and spirituality for his own sexual gratification. Following her sentencing remarks, several people in the courtroom applauded the decision.
The sentencing concludes a long process to hold Chasing Horse accountable, which began with his arrest and indictment in 2023. His case has garnered attention not only in the United States but also in Canada, where additional charges remain pending. Chasing Horse faces unresolved sexual assault charges in British Columbia, with prosecutors currently reviewing the case after it was paused to focus on his U.S. convictions. A warrant also exists in Alberta, where local law enforcement remains in contact with prosecutors regarding further actions.
Chasing Horse's early life was spent on the Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota, affiliated with the Sicangu Sioux tribe. After his breakout role in “Dances With Wolves,” he traveled throughout Indian Country, using his status as a Lakota medicine man to conduct healing ceremonies and build a following. During the trial, prosecutors depicted him as a manipulative figure who exploited his reputation to abuse women and girls over nearly two decades.
Specific accounts from victims in the trial revealed Chasing Horse’s tactics. Leone-LaCroix recounted his claim that the spirits wanted her to relinquish her virginity to aid her ailing mother, leading to a long history of assaults. As various victims testified, they highlighted the emotional and spiritual toll of Chasing Horse's actions on their lives and their families, echoing themes of betrayal and the erosion of trust in sacred traditions.
One of the victims, Siera Begaye, explained how she continues to deal with the physical repercussions of the assault, including complications from an ectopic pregnancy stemming from the abuse. She concluded her testimony with a message of resilience, stating, “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.”
Chasing Horse's trial and subsequent sentencing serve as a stark reminder of the broader issues faced by Indigenous women and girls, highlighting the critical importance of addressing abuse within communities and the legal systems that serve them.
