Crime31 January, 20262 min read
Jury Convicts 'Dances With Wolves' Actor Nathan Chasing Horse On 13 Counts Of Sexually Assaulting Native Women And Girls, Including A 14-Year-Old
Jury convicted Chasing Horse on 13 of 21 sexual-assault charges. Most convictions involved a victim who was 14 when he began assaulting her.
12 outlets told this the same way.
Actor convicted of sexual assault
A Las Vegas jury on Friday convicted 49-year-old actor Nathan Chasing Horse, best known for his role in Dances With Wolves, on 13 of 21 charges. The charges alleged sexual assaults of Indigenous women and girls, many involving a victim prosecutors say was 14 when the abuse began. He faces a minimum of 25 years in prison and is scheduled to be sentenced on March 11.
“An 11-day Las Vegas trial ended with actor Nathan Chasing Horse—best known for his role in Dances With Wolves—convicted on 13 of 21 charges alleging he sexually assaulted Indigenous women and girls.”
Alleged spiritual authority abuse
Prosecutors told jurors the defendant used his public identity as a self-described Lakota medicine man and spiritual claims to coerce victims, including a 14-year-old he allegedly told that spirits demanded she give up her virginity to save her sick mother. They described a pattern of abuse spanning roughly two decades.
Defense attorneys disputed eyewitness evidence, challenged accusers' credibility, and said they will seek a new trial. This paragraph summarizes prosecutorial theory about exploitation of spiritual authority and the defense response.
Trial and context
The trial lasted roughly 11 days and included testimony from three women, including minors, as prosecutors sought to show a pattern of abuse. Jurors acquitted Chasing Horse on several counts linked to a later period when the principal accuser was described as older or living with him.
“An 11-day Las Vegas trial ended with actor Nathan Chasing Horse—best known for his role in Dances With Wolves—convicted on 13 of 21 charges alleging he sexually assaulted Indigenous women and girls.”
Defense attorneys say they will seek a new trial, citing lack of eyewitness testimony. Multiple outlets have framed the case in the context of growing attention to violence against Native women.
Cross-border probe update
Prosecutors and investigators say the convictions conclude only part of a broader probe. Authorities in other U.S. jurisdictions and in Canada are reviewing related allegations. Prosecutors say videos recovered in a January 2023 police raid led to additional charges that were refiled in 2024.
Those parallel inquiries mean British Columbia prosecutors have said they will await U.S. proceedings before deciding next steps. This paragraph explains the cross-jurisdictional investigations and evidence developments reported by some outlets.
Courtroom Reactions Overview
Victims and supporters reacted emotionally as the guilty verdicts were read. Prosecutors and Clark County officials said the outcome sends a message that exploitation will not be tolerated. Defense counsel criticized the evidence and said they will file motions for a new trial.
“Victims and supporters reacted emotionally as the verdict was read; Clark County prosecutors called it a clear message that exploitation won’t be tolerated.”
News coverage varied, highlighting victims’ reactions, the prosecutor’s statement, and the defense’s promise to appeal or seek retrial. This summarizes courtroom reactions and post‑verdict positions.
