Nathan Chasing Horse, the former Dances With Wolves actor who apparently took his role as a spiritual leader a bit too literally - and illegally - has been sentenced to life in prison for sexually assaulting Indigenous women and girls.
A Nevada judge handed down the sentence Monday after a jury convicted him of 13 charges, mostly sexual assault-related, involving three women - including one who was just 14 when the abuse began. (He was acquitted on some charges, because justice is apparently a choose-your-own-adventure novel.)
Accusers and their families told Judge Jessica Peterson they continue to suffer from trauma and struggle with their faith after Chasing Horse exploited his position as a spiritual leader. Chasing Horse, clad in his snazzy navy blue Clark County detention center uniform, stared straight ahead as victims read statements. His response? “This is a miscarriage of justice.” Because nothing says “miscarriage of justice” like a jury of your peers disagreeing with your life choices.
The sentencing caps a years-long effort to prosecute the former actor, who was first arrested and indicted in 2023. That arrest sent shockwaves through Indian Country, prompting law enforcement in other states and Canada to pile on with more criminal charges - which, spoiler alert, are still pending.
In Canada, the British Columbia Prosecution Service charged Chasing Horse with sexual assault in February 2023 for an alleged offense in September 2018 near Keremeos, a village about four hours east of Vancouver. The case paused in November 2023 due to his U.S. charges but resumed the next year. Once all appeals are exhausted, B.C. prosecutors will decide next steps, said Damienne Darby, communications counsel for the service. Meanwhile, a warrant remains outstanding in Alberta, per the Tsuut'ina Nation police service, which is in contact with the Alberta Crown prosecutors office.
Chasing Horse was born on the Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota, home to the Sicangu Sioux. After playing Smiles a Lot in Kevin Costner's Oscar-winning Dances With Wolves, he traveled across Indian Country attending powwows and performing healing ceremonies. During his trial, Nevada prosecutors said 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 from three women who said Chasing Horse sexually assaulted them. The jury returned guilty verdicts on some charges related to all three. Multiple victims described participating in his ceremonies or seeking his medical help. One victim, Corena Leone-LaCroix, was 14 in 2012 when Chasing Horse allegedly told her the spirits wanted her to give up her virginity to save her mother, who had cancer. He then sexually assaulted her and warned that if she told anyone, her mother would die. The assaults continued for years. (The AP typically doesn't name 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.” His attorney filed a motion for a new trial, arguing a witness wasn't qualified to discuss grooming and that the statute of limitations had expired. The motion was denied, because the court apparently doesn't appreciate creative legal interpretations.
Victims and their families testified they struggle with their faith as a result of Chasing Horse's actions. “Even to this day I struggle to regain my faith and spirituality,” one victim's mother said. Another victim said she still faces complications from an ectopic pregnancy caused by 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 said.
Dr. Crystal Lee, CEO and founder of United Natives, which supports sexual abuse victims, said she hopes the sentencing brings peace. Chasing Horse used his status as an actor and medicine man to prey on victims, much like faith leaders who abuse power. “I think it makes us question who we trust and why we trust,” Lee said. Indeed, when the person you trust to heal your spirit is actually hunting it, it's time to rethink your spiritual Yelp reviews.