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Sentencing Delayed for “Dances With Wolves” Actor Convicted of Sexual Assault Against Indigenous Women
The sentencing for Nathan Chasing Horse, convicted last month of sexually assaulting Indigenous women and girls, has been postponed by one week in Las Vegas. Judge Jessica Peterson agreed to reschedule Wednesday’s hearing to March 18, marking the final chapter in a case that has deeply impacted Indigenous communities across North America.
A Nevada jury found Chasing Horse guilty on 13 of 21 charges in February, with most counts relating to his abuse of a victim who was just 14 years old when the assaults began. While acquitted on some sexual assault charges, Chasing Horse now faces a minimum of 25 years in prison for his crimes.
Following the conviction, defense attorney Craig Mueller filed a motion seeking a new trial, challenging a witness’s qualifications to discuss grooming techniques and arguing that the statute of limitations had expired on certain charges. Judge Peterson denied this motion, clearing the way for sentencing to proceed.
The case against Chasing Horse first gained momentum in early 2023 with his arrest and indictment, triggering investigations by law enforcement agencies across multiple jurisdictions in the United States and Canada.
Prosecutors in British Columbia have charged Chasing Horse with sexual assault related to an alleged incident near Keremeos, a small village east of Vancouver, in September 2018. The Canadian case was temporarily paused during U.S. legal proceedings but has since resumed. Damienne Darby, communications counsel for the British Columbia Prosecution Service, indicated that officials will determine next steps after Chasing Horse exhausts his appeals in Nevada.
Additionally, the Tsuut’ina Nation Police Service in Alberta confirmed that an outstanding warrant remains active against Chasing Horse, and they continue to coordinate with the Alberta Crown Prosecutors Office regarding potential further action.
Throughout the trial, Nevada prosecutors detailed how Chasing Horse exploited his position as a self-proclaimed Lakota medicine man to victimize Indigenous women. Deputy District Attorney Bianca Pucci told jurors that for nearly two decades, Chasing Horse “spun a web of abuse” that ensnared numerous women seeking spiritual guidance or healing.
The court heard testimony from three women who recounted their assaults at Chasing Horse’s hands. The jury returned guilty verdicts related to all three victims, though not on every charge.
Chasing Horse rose to prominence after portraying Smiles a Lot in Kevin Costner’s 1990 Academy Award-winning film “Dances With Wolves.” Following this success, he leveraged his fame to travel throughout Indigenous communities across North America, conducting ceremonies and offering traditional healing services. Multiple victims described attending his ceremonies or seeking his help for medical issues, only to be sexually assaulted.
The primary accuser testified that she was 14 in 2012 when Chasing Horse told her that spirits demanded she surrender her virginity to him to save her mother, who had been diagnosed with cancer. According to prosecutors, he sexually assaulted her and threatened that her mother would die if she revealed what happened. This pattern of abuse continued for years.
Throughout the proceedings, Chasing Horse denied all allegations. His defense team attempted to undermine the credibility of the main accuser, describing her as a “scorned woman” with questionable motives.
The case has sparked important conversations about exploitation and abuse in Indigenous communities, where traditional healers and spiritual leaders hold positions of significant trust and authority. Advocates for Indigenous women’s safety have pointed to this case as highlighting the vulnerabilities that can exist when cultural power dynamics are manipulated by predators.
As the sentencing date approaches, many in Indigenous communities across North America await the conclusion of this high-profile case that has shed light on patterns of exploitation and abuse that have gone unchecked for too long.
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7 Comments
This case is a stark reminder that predators can hide behind public personas and positions of trust. I hope the sentencing sends a strong deterrent message to others who may be tempted to abuse their power.
This case underscores the critical importance of addressing systemic issues that enable the exploitation of Indigenous peoples, especially women and children. Meaningful reform is long overdue.
It’s disturbing to think an actor from a film that celebrated Native American culture could commit such terrible crimes against Indigenous women. I hope this case sparks deeper reflection on the industry’s responsibilities.
While it’s good the statute of limitations charges were denied, it’s concerning the defense is still trying to challenge the conviction. The victims deserve closure and accountability for these terrible acts.
Sadly, abuse and exploitation of vulnerable Indigenous women and girls seems all too common. I hope this case raises awareness and spurs action to better protect these communities from predatory individuals.
This is a tragic and disturbing case. Chasing Horse’s crimes have had a devastating impact on Indigenous communities. I hope the victims find some justice and healing through this sentencing process.
The delay in sentencing is frustrating, but I’m glad the judge ultimately denied the defense’s motion. Chasing Horse needs to face the consequences of his horrific crimes.