According to multiple U.S. reports, a Nevada judge sentenced former child actor Nathan Chasing Horse to 37 years to life in prison on April 27, local time. A Las Vegas jury previously found him guilty of 13 charges, including sexual assault-related offenses involving minors. He will become eligible for parole only after serving decades in prison.
Prosecutors said Nathan Chasing Horse used his fame from Dances With Wolves and his self-described status as a spiritual leader to gain the trust of Indigenous women and girls. He was accused of approaching victims under the guise of sacred healing ceremonies before manipulating and sexually abusing them.
One of the most disturbing allegations involved a victim who was reportedly told that she had to give up her virginity in order to save her mother, who had cancer. Prosecutors said the abuse began when she was 14 years old and continued for years.
During sentencing, Judge Jessica Peterson strongly criticized Nathan Chasing Horse, saying he had exploited the women’s trust and spirituality for his own gratification. Victims and their families also told the court that he had weaponized sacred Indigenous traditions and caused deep physical, emotional, and spiritual harm. Despite the verdict, Nathan Chasing Horse continued to deny the allegations. During his sentencing, he reportedly called the case a “miscarriage of justice.”
Nathan Chasing Horse was born in South Dakota in 1976 and became known after playing Smiles A Lot in Kevin Costner’s 1990 Academy Award-winning film Dances With Wolves. After his film appearance, he traveled through Indigenous communities and presented himself as a spiritual figure.
Authorities arrested Chasing Horse in 2023 following an investigation into allegations that spanned nearly 2 decades. Reports stated that he was accused of leading a group known as “the Circle” and using spiritual authority to control and abuse victims.
The case is not fully over. Chasing Horse also faces separate sexual assault charges in Canada, with proceedings expected to continue after the U.S. legal process. The sentencing has drawn major attention in the U.S. due to the severity of the crimes, the number of victims, and the way prosecutors said Chasing Horse exploited cultural and spiritual trust within Indigenous communities.
Sources: Netizenbuzz
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