Nathan Chasing Horse, known for his role in ‘Dances With Wolves,’ has been sentenced to 37 years to life imprisonment following his conviction on multiple charges related to the sexual assault of Indigenous women and girls. The case, which prosecutors stated spanned several years, culminated in a Las Vegas jury finding the 49-year-old guilty of 13 out of 21 charges after an 11-day trial in January.
In a significant development, Judge Jessica Peterson ordered that Chasing Horse serve a minimum of 25 years before becoming eligible for parole. He was credited with 1,184 days already spent in custody since his 2023 arrest. During the sentencing, Chasing Horse maintained his innocence, calling the verdict a “miscarriage of justice.”
Prosecutors detailed that the convictions arose from numerous counts of sexual assault and related offenses, highlighting how Chasing Horse exploited his self-proclaimed role as a spiritual leader to prey on victims. Chief Deputy District Attorney William Rowles emphasized that victims had come forward over decades but their voices had previously been ignored. “I hope this verdict gives them some peace,” he remarked.
Clark County District Attorney Steve Wolfson noted that the verdict sends a strong message that abuse will not be tolerated, regardless of a defendant’s public image or claims of authority. Authorities revealed that Chasing Horse used his influence within Native American communities, where he was regarded by some as a “Medicine Man” or “Holy Person,” to gain victims’ trust before committing the assaults.
The charges for which he was convicted include 10 counts of sexual assault of a minor under 16, one count of open or gross lewdness, one count of sexual assault, and one count related to possession of material depicting sexual conduct involving a child. The investigation began after a tip in October 2022, although some allegations date back many years. Chasing Horse was taken into custody in 2023 following a search warrant executed at his residence.
Meanwhile, authorities confirmed that he faces additional charges in other states and Canada, including an active warrant in Alberta linked to a separate case. The Tsuut’ina Nation Police Service hailed the conviction as a crucial step toward justice for survivors and commended those who bravely came forward.
This sentencing represents a major milestone in a prolonged legal battle, with further proceedings still underway in other jurisdictions.
