A Nevada judge sentenced actor Nathan Chasing Horse to life in prison on Monday for sexually assaulting Indigenous women and girls. The former 'Dances With Wolves' performer was convicted in January on 13 of 21 charges after a jury heard testimony from three accusers. Chasing Horse denied the allegations, calling the outcome a miscarriage of justice.
Judge Jessica Peterson handed down the life sentence in Clark County court following Chasing Horse's conviction on charges primarily related to sexual assault. Victims and their families addressed the court, describing ongoing trauma and struggles with their faith after Chasing Horse exploited his role as a spiritual leader. One accuser, Corena Leone-LaCroix, testified that at age 14 in 2012, Chasing Horse assaulted her under the pretense of saving her mother's life from cancer, with assaults continuing for years. He warned her not to tell anyone or her mother would die, prosecutors said during the trial. Chasing Horse, dressed in his detention center uniform, stared ahead as statements were read and later told the judge, 'This is a miscarriage of justice.' His defense had questioned an accuser's credibility and sought a new trial, but the motion was denied. Nevada prosecutors argued Chasing Horse used his fame from playing Smiles a Lot in 'Dances With Wolves' and status as a Lakota medicine man to abuse victims over nearly two decades. The Rosebud Reservation-born actor was first arrested in 2023, sparking investigations elsewhere. Pending charges remain in British Columbia for a 2018 assault and a warrant in Alberta with the Tsuut'ina Nation Police Service. Victims expressed hopes for healing, with one stating, 'I am choosing to see this moment as a fresh start.' Dr. Crystal Lee of United Natives emphasized accountability for such perpetrators.