Las Vegas Jury Convicts Actor from “Dances With Wolves” on Sexual Assault Charges
Actor Found Guilty After Lengthy Trial
A Las Vegas jury has delivered a guilty verdict against Nathan Chasing Horse, a former actor known for his role in “Dances With Wolves,” on multiple sexual assault charges. The trial extended over a year and three weeks, culminating in Chasing Horse, 49, being convicted of sexually abusing a minor.
The case was initiated following accusations made by two underage victims, and it was further supported by testimonies from several other women who came forward stating they were also assaulted by the actor. Chasing Horse was convicted on 13 of the 21 counts brought against him, with the court acquitting him on charges including kidnapping a minor and certain counts related to child pornography.
As the verdict was read, Chasing Horse remained silent, while the victims and their families expressed emotional relief outside the courtroom. He is scheduled to be sentenced on March 11 and faces a prison term of at least 25 years.
Exploiting Spiritual Authority to Abuse Victims
After his involvement in the acclaimed film “Dances With Wolves,” Chasing Horse adopted the disguise of a Lakota medicine man, conducting fake healing ceremonies. Through this guise, he manipulated women and young girls for his own abuse.
One victim recounted that in 2012, when she was just 14, Chasing Horse deceived her with claims that “the spirits” required her to sacrifice her virginity to cure her mother’s cancer. He then intimidated her into silence by threatening dire consequences if she disclosed the assault.
Prosecutors revealed that the abuse perpetrated by Chasing Horse persisted over several years.
New Evidence and Renewed Charges
During a 2023 police raid, authorities found videos documenting Chasing Horse abusing a victim stored in a locked safe. These recordings are believed to date back to 2010-2011, involving a victim around the age of 13 at that time.
Based on this evidence, prosecutors reinstated previously dismissed charges in 2024, after the Nevada Supreme Court had initially dismissed them for procedural reasons.
